Grilled Chicken Greek Salad

The secret to the perfect Greek Salad in my opinion is pepperoncinis. Their salty, acidic, slightly spicy flavor is that extra thing that takes a typical Greek salad and makes it something special. Now don't get me wrong, the feta and olives and crunchy veggies are also critical, but I find the pepperoncini are often left out and it's what makes a Greek salad delicious.

Now speaking of Greek salads, they used to be my go-to healthy choice when dining out but unfortunately, restaurant versions packed with mountains of feta cheese and high-fat dressing can easily clock in at 800-1000 calories. Not the best option when you think you are making a healthy choice.

For that reason, I usually prefer to make my own version at home where I have full control over the ingredients, portion size, and amount of dressing. This recipe has all the classic flavors - feta, olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, and cucumbers - but is made with a lighter dressing and some grilled chicken breasts for protein. It's just as delicious as the restaurant version just made with cleaner ingredients.

Love Greek flavors? You'll also want to try this Greek Pasta Salad, Homemade Greek Salad Dressing, and Healthy Greek Meatballs.

Key Ingredients for a Delicious Greek Salad

Here is everything you need to make a tasty grilled chicken Greek salad.

• Vegetables: Any good Greek salad needs lots of crunch from fresh vegetables. This version has chopped Romaine, English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, and red onion. Feel free to swap in a different green or change out some of the vegetables. 
• Greek dressing: Greek salad dressing should be bright, acidic, and herby. To get that punch of flavor, this dressing uses a combination of red wine vinegar and pepperoncini juice. Trust me, this is the key ot all that punchy flavor. Swap in lemon juice if you like.
• Grilled Chicken: To add some extra flavor to the chicken, it's coated with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You could swap in any cooked chicken you like.
• Feta, olives, and pepperoncini: Without these ingredients, it isn't really a Greek salad. For the best-tasting feta, use the feta packed in brine. Drain the liquid and cut into cubes or crumble. Crumbled feta also works, it just not quite as flavorful. Kalamata or black olives are traditional but any olives will work. 

Recipe Ideas

There are so many ways to customize this salad and make it your own. Try these

• Swap the protein: Use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or chicken thighs. You could swap in salmon, tuna fish, or chickpeas as well.
• Add extra vegetables: Make this salad with any combination of veggies you like. It's delicious with carrots, leftover roasted vegetables, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, or artichokes. 
• Make a creamy dressing: For a creamy version add some Greek yogurt or light mayo to the dressing.
• Leave out the lettuce: Classic Greek salads don't have any lettuce. For a more classic preparation, leave out the Romaine.
• Turn it into a wrap: Wrap up the salad in a delicious whole wheat, low-carb, or spinach wrap.
• Add whole grains: Turn this into a Greek Chicken Bowl or grain salad with some cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro.

What to Serve with Chicken Greek Salad

This salad is a complete meal on its own with grilled chicken, veggies, and dressing. With that said, you could serve it with some tasty bread, soup, or even extra veggies.

If you want to serve it with bread, consider this easy homemade Naan bread or some Breadsticks.

Thinking of a soup and salad combo? Pair this with some Slow Cooker Butternut Squash or Mushroom Soup.