Greek Chicken Salad - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Greek Chicken Salad

(585)
30 min4420 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|March 15, 2024

The Greek salad exists in every Canadian household's rotation — romaine, cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, feta — and adding grilled chicken turns it from a side dish into a complete meal that's ready in 15 minutes. The chicken gets a Greek marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and red wine vinegar. The dressing is the same marinade, just emulsified slightly with extra olive oil. Kalamata olives are non-negotiable — the canned black olives from the grocery store are not the same thing. Use the briny, purple-black ones from the olive bar at Loblaws or the ones in jars from the international aisle. Real feta from the deli counter, not the pre-crumbled stuff in a bag that tastes like salty rubber.

chicken-saladsgreekmediterraneanfresh

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

About This Recipe

The Greek Chicken Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings the sunny Mediterranean right to your Canadian table. With its crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, this salad is not just a side—it's a complete meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something fresh yet filling. The addition of grilled chicken, marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, elevates this classic to a satisfying main course.

Canadians adore this dish for its simplicity and the ease with which it comes together. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a nourishing salad that bursts with flavour and texture. The combination of creamy feta, crisp vegetables, and the aromatic dressing creates a delightful medley that’s both refreshing and comforting, making it a staple in many households across the country.

Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Salad

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have time, allows the flavours to penetrate deeply. When grilling, avoid overcooking by keeping a close eye on the chicken and using a meat thermometer. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before slicing it for your salad.

What to Serve With It

This Greek Chicken Salad makes for a stunning centerpiece on your dining table. I love to serve it with warm pita bread or a side of homemade tzatziki for a refreshing dip. A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the salad beautifully, enhancing the Mediterranean experience. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside quinoa or a warm grain salad, which adds an extra dimension of texture and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken without drying it out, place it in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help maintain moisture. While I don’t recommend freezing the entire salad (as the veggies lose their crispness), you can freeze the marinated chicken separately for up to 3 months. Just thaw and grill it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Nutrition Per Serving

420
Calories
35g
Protein
26g
Fat
14g
Carbs
Fiber4g
Sugar6g
Sodium640mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables in the salad?+

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with your favourite vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocados. Just remember that the key to a great Greek Chicken Salad is the balance of flavours and textures.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?+

If feta isn't your preference, crumbled goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar can work, though it will change the character of the dish. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose is creamy to balance the salad.

Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop instead?+

Yes, you can! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, simply use a grill pan on medium-high heat. Just make sure to preheat the pan and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.

How can I make this salad more filling?+

To make it heartier, consider adding cooked chickpeas, quinoa, or even a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds. These additions will provide extra protein and make the salad even more satisfying.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?+

Definitely! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This will help maintain the freshness of the vegetables and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Reviews

4.6 / 5 (585 reviews)
Justin K.
Jan 22, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

David Y.
Oct 16, 2025

Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.

Justin C.
Jul 28, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Michael U.
Dec 1, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
15 min
Total:
30 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Real Kalamata olives from the olive bar taste completely different from canned black olives. Spend the extra dollar.
  • 2Block feta that you crumble yourself has better flavour and texture than the pre-crumbled bags.
  • 3If you have time, let the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours — the oregano and lemon really penetrate the meat.

Variations

  • Add chickpeas for extra protein and fibre.
  • Swap romaine for chopped kale for a sturdier, meal-prep friendly version.
  • Serve as a pita pocket: stuff the salad and chicken into warm pita halves.

Chicken Salads

Greek Chicken Salad

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by ChickenRecipes.ca

Greek Chicken Salad - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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