Epic Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki

Epic Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki

Epic Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki is a bright, flavor-packed meal in a bowl. Juicy Greek-marinated chicken is cooked until golden, then served over a crisp salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta. A generous drizzle (or dollop) of cool, garlicky tzatziki ties it all together with creamy freshness.

This recipe layers simple Mediterranean ingredients—lemon, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and yogurt—to create a bowl that’s both light and filling. With protein, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing all in one, it feels like something you’d order at a café but is easy to make at home.

Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or a fresh, colorful lunch, this Epic Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki is a satisfying way to enjoy big flavor without feeling heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Zesty – Lemon, herbs, and crunchy veggies keep every bite bright.
Protein-Packed – Juicy chicken and Greek yogurt-based tzatziki make it filling.
Balanced Bowl – You get protein, healthy fats, and fiber in one meal.
Great for Meal Prep – Prep components ahead and assemble when you’re ready.

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken:

  • 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1–2 garlic cloves, minced (to taste)
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Salad Bowls:

  • 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced or chopped
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½–¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 small bell pepper, sliced (optional)

Simple Greek-Style Drizzle (Optional Extra Dressing):

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and toss to coat well.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).

Make the Tzatziki
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or garlic as desired.
Cover and chill until ready to serve (this also helps flavors develop).

Cook the Greek Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat (or use an outdoor grill).
Cook marinated chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or chop into strips/bite-sized pieces.

Prep the Salad Components
While the chicken cooks or rests, prepare the salad ingredients:
Chop the greens, halve the tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion, and prepare the olives and feta.

Make the Optional Drizzle
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Bowls
Divide the chopped greens among 4 bowls.
Top each with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, bell pepper (if using), and feta.
Add sliced Greek chicken on top of each bowl.
Drizzle lightly with the Greek-style dressing if using.

Serve with Tzatziki
Add a generous scoop or drizzle of tzatziki over each bowl.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if you like an extra citrus boost.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, 1 of 4, including chicken, salad, and tzatziki)

  • Calories: ~520
  • Protein: 39g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g

(Values will vary based on feta amount, yogurt type, and oil used.)

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Marinate – Even 30 minutes helps the chicken soak up lemon, garlic, and herbs.
Squeeze the Cucumber – Removing excess water from the cucumber keeps the tzatziki thick and creamy.
Rest the Chicken – Letting it rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
Customize Your Bowl – Add extras like chickpeas, avocado, or a scoop of cooked quinoa for more bulk.

Why This Recipe Works

Greek-style marinades use simple but powerful ingredients—lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil—to flavor the chicken deeply while keeping it moist. Cooking the chicken quickly over medium-high heat gives it a nice sear without drying it out.

The salad base provides crunch and freshness, while olives and feta add briny, salty richness that balances the tangy tzatziki. With creamy yogurt, crisp veggies, and juicy, herb-loaded chicken, every bite hits a mix of textures and bright Mediterranean flavors.

This Epic Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki delivers a complete, satisfying meal that feels both fresh and comforting—perfect for busy days, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a lighter bowl that’s still big on flavor.

Epic Greek Chicken Salad Bowl with Creamy Tzatziki

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

520

kcal

Juicy Greek-marinated chicken served over a crisp salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, topped with cool, garlicky tzatziki. Fresh, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • For the Greek Chicken:

  • 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp lemon juice

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • For the Creamy Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry

  • 1–2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • For the Salad Bowls:

  • 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens

  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 large cucumber, sliced or chopped

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved

  • ½–¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1 small bell pepper, sliced (optional)

  • Optional Greek-Style Drizzle:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Marinate the Chicken
    In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  • Make the Tzatziki
    In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated/squeezed cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and chill until serving.
  • Cook the Chicken
    Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice or chop.
  • Prep the Salad Components
    Arrange greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, bell pepper (if using), and feta on a large platter or divide among 4 bowls.
  • Optional Drizzle
    Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon), oregano, salt, and pepper together. Drizzle lightly over the salad components.
  • Assemble the Bowls
    Add sliced Greek chicken to each bowl on top of the salad. Spoon or drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki over the chicken and salad.
  • Serve
    Garnish with extra dill or parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use thighs if you prefer juicier, more forgiving chicken; breasts work great if not overcooked.
    For meal prep, store chicken, salad, and tzatziki separately and assemble just before eating.
    Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to make the bowls even more filling.
    Adjust garlic in tzatziki to your taste—start with less if you’re sensitive, then add more.

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