Greek Chicken Salad Recipe with Homemade Vinaigrette

Greek Chicken Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette | Easy Recipe

A fresh, flavorful and easy Greek Chicken Salad made with juicy seasoned chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion and creamy feta, finished with a homemade Mediterranean vinaigrette made with Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil and aged balsamic vinegar.

If you are looking for an easy Greek chicken salad recipe that works for lunch, dinner, meal prep or a summer gathering, this colorful Mediterranean-inspired salad is a delicious place to start.

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, salty feta, Kalamata olives and a bright homemade vinaigrette creates a satisfying salad that feels light and fresh without leaving you hungry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Greek-Inspired, Mediterranean
Keyword: Greek Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Salad

This Greek chicken salad brings together many of the classic flavors people love about Mediterranean cooking: fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, tangy vinegar, feta cheese and olives.

Classic Greek salad commonly features tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta and olives, with olive oil and oregano playing an important role in the dressing. Adding grilled or pan-seared chicken turns those flavors into a complete main-course salad.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

  • Juicy, flavorful chicken makes it filling enough for lunch or dinner.
  • Crisp cucumber and romaine add plenty of crunch.
  • Tomatoes bring freshness and natural sweetness.
  • Kalamata olives provide a savory, briny flavor.
  • Feta adds creamy, salty richness.
  • Homemade vinaigrette takes only a few minutes to prepare.
  • Tuscan herbs add rosemary, thyme and oregano flavor to the dressing.
  • Aged balsamic adds depth and balanced sweet-tart flavor.
  • The ingredients can be prepared ahead for easy meal prep.
  • It is easy to customize with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Salad

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Garden of Eden Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large cucumber, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: fresh oregano for garnish

For the Homemade Greek-Inspired Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup Garden of Eden Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Garden of Eden Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

The Secret to a Great Greek Chicken Salad

The key is not simply adding chicken to a Greek salad.

It is building layers of flavor.

The chicken should be well seasoned before cooking. The vegetables should remain crisp. The feta and Kalamata olives should provide salty contrast. And the vinaigrette should have enough acidity and richness to bring everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

For this recipe, we use Garden of Eden Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil in both the chicken and vinaigrette.

The oil is infused with traditional Tuscan herbs including rosemary, thyme and oregano, giving it a naturally savory, herb-forward character. Garden of Eden specifically recommends it for marinades, salads, roasted vegetables, pasta and bread dipping.

For the vinaigrette, we pair it with Garden of Eden Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar.

The balsamic is produced in Modena, Italy, and Garden of Eden describes it as rich and complex with balanced sweet and sour notes. Its product information also states that it is aged using the Solera method in chestnut, oak, mulberry and ash barrels.

Shop Garden of Eden Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil

Shop Garden of Eden Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar

How to Make Greek Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if they are particularly thick, gently pound them to an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents the thinner portions from becoming dry before the center is fully cooked.

Drizzle the chicken with Garden of Eden Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil.

Add lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes while you prepare the salad ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken.

Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before slicing.

Resting helps retain the juices inside the chicken.

Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Vinaigrette

Add the following ingredients to a small jar:

  • Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil
  • Aged Dark Balsamic Vinegar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Honey, if using
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.

Alternatively, whisk everything together in a small bowl.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Want a sharper dressing?

Add a little more balsamic or lemon juice.

Want a slightly sweeter dressing?

Add a small amount of honey.

Want a richer dressing?

Add another splash of Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Greek Salad

Add the chopped romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl.

Top with:

  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta
  • Fresh parsley

Add the sliced chicken.

Pour over approximately half of the homemade vinaigrette.

Gently toss the salad.

Add more dressing as desired.

Finish with additional feta, olives, fresh oregano and freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately.

How to Make the Best Homemade Greek Vinaigrette

A good homemade vinaigrette should balance fat, acidity, seasoning and flavor.

For this Greek chicken salad, Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil provides the rich base while aged balsamic vinegar contributes acidity and a deeper sweet-tart flavor.

The Dijon mustard also helps bring the dressing together and gives it a slightly creamy texture.

The result is a versatile Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette that can be used for much more than this salad.

Try it with:

  • Greek salad
  • Chicken salad
  • Pasta salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Grain bowls
  • Caprese salad
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Sandwiches
  • Wraps
  • Marinades

Why Use Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil?

Garden of Eden’s Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil is made with extra virgin olive oil and Tuscan herbs including rosemary, thyme and oregano. The company describes it as aromatic and suitable for Italian dishes, marinades, bread dipping, roasted vegetables, pasta and salads.

That makes it especially useful in this recipe because the herbs complement the Mediterranean ingredients without requiring a long list of additional seasonings.

Shop Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil →

Why Use Aged Balsamic Vinegar?

Garden of Eden’s Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar is produced in Modena, Italy.

According to the product information, it is aged using the traditional Solera method in multiple types of wood barrels and has a deep, rich flavor balanced between sweet and sour notes.

That flavor makes it an excellent choice for vinaigrettes because it can add complexity without requiring a long ingredient list.

Shop Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar →

Tips for Making Greek Chicken Salad

Use chicken breast or chicken thighs

Chicken breast creates a lean, easy-to-slice salad topping, while boneless chicken thighs can provide a richer flavor and remain particularly juicy.

Don’t overdress the salad

Start with less vinaigrette than you think you need.

You can always add more.

This is especially important if you plan to store leftovers.

Let the chicken rest

Give cooked chicken a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and makes it easier to cut cleanly.

Use fresh vegetables

Crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in a salad this simple.

Use good feta

For the best texture, use feta that is creamy and flavorful rather than extremely dry pre-crumbled feta.

Add the dressing just before serving

If you are preparing the salad ahead of time, store the vegetables, chicken, feta and dressing separately.

Greek Chicken Salad Meal Prep

This recipe is excellent for meal prep.

Prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately.

Keep the homemade vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to eat, assemble the salad and add the dressing.

For the best texture, avoid dressing the entire batch if you plan to eat it over several days.

Instead, dress each individual portion immediately before serving.

What to Serve With Greek Chicken Salad

Although this Greek chicken salad works perfectly well as a complete meal, you can serve it with:

  • Warm pita bread
  • Hummus
  • Tzatziki
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Olive oil bread dip
  • Warm flatbread
  • Mediterranean rice
  • Fresh fruit

For an especially simple meal, serve the salad alongside warm pita and a small bowl of hummus.

greek salad recipe card

Easy Variations

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Add cooked rotini, penne or another short pasta to transform this into a hearty Mediterranean pasta salad.

Increase the vinaigrette as needed.

Greek Chicken Pita

Stuff the salad ingredients into warm pita bread and add tzatziki.

This makes an excellent lunch.

Greek Chicken Grain Bowl

Serve the chicken and salad over cooked quinoa, farro or rice.

Drizzle with additional homemade vinaigrette.

Vegetarian Greek Salad

Simply leave out the chicken.

Add chickpeas for extra substance.

Greek Chicken Wrap

Place the salad and sliced chicken inside a large tortilla or flatbread.

Add feta and extra vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek chicken salad made of?

Greek chicken salad typically combines cooked chicken with fresh Mediterranean-style ingredients such as lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives and feta cheese. A Greek-inspired vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon, herbs and vinegar brings the ingredients together.

Is Greek chicken salad healthy?

Greek chicken salad can be a nutrient-dense meal because it combines protein from chicken with vegetables, herbs and other flavorful ingredients. The exact nutritional profile depends on the ingredients and portion sizes used.

What dressing goes with Greek chicken salad?

A homemade Greek-inspired vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic and vinegar pairs especially well with Greek chicken salad.

For this recipe, Garden of Eden Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil and Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar create a flavorful dressing with herbaceous, savory and sweet-tart notes.

Can I make Greek chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the chicken, vegetables and vinaigrette separately and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble the salad. Keep the dressing separate until serving for the best texture.

Can I use balsamic vinegar in Greek salad?

Yes. Traditional Greek salad dressings often center around olive oil and acidic ingredients, and balsamic vinegar can be used to create a slightly sweeter, deeper Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette.

What olive oil is best for Greek salad?

A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice for Greek salad. An herb-infused olive oil can add another layer of flavor.

Garden of Eden’s Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil contains rosemary, thyme and oregano, making it particularly well suited to herb-forward salads and marinades.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a richer flavor. Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

More Ways to Use These Ingredients

Once you have Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil and aged balsamic vinegar in your kitchen, you can use the same combination in countless easy recipes.

Try them in:

Balsamic Chicken Marinade

Combine Tuscan Herb Olive Oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt and pepper for a flavorful chicken marinade.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Toss vegetables with Tuscan Herb Olive Oil, roast until caramelized, then finish with aged balsamic.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Combine pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta and herbs with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Italian Chopped Salad

Toss romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives and cheese with the same homemade dressing.

Olive Oil Bread Dip

Serve Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil with warm crusty bread and a drizzle of aged balsamic.

The Perfect Mediterranean-Inspired Salad

This Greek Chicken Salad is proof that a great meal does not need complicated ingredients.

Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy feta, Kalamata olives and a homemade vinaigrette are enough to create a colorful and satisfying dinner.

The real finishing touch is the quality of the oil and vinegar.

Garden of Eden’s Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil brings rosemary, thyme and oregano into the dressing, while its Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar adds depth and balanced sweet-tart character.

Ready to Make It?

Shop Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil

Shop Aged 18 Years Old Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with a fresh, colorful Greek Chicken Salad and a homemade vinaigrette worth making again and again.

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