If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and showcases the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean, the Epic Grilled Chicken Greek Salad Bowl with Tzatziki is a must-try. This delightful meal combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp seasonal veggies, and a rich, creamy tzatziki sauce, all sitting atop a bed of fresh greens. In just 35 minutes, you can create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken is marinated to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld nicely, while the salad elements add a refreshing crunch. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also healthy and packed with protein, making it a go-to choice for a nutritious meal.
This Greek Salad Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together diverse flavors and textures. The creamy tzatziki acts as a perfect counterbalance to the saltiness of the chicken and the crispness of the veggies. Each bite offers a balance between savory and fresh, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe is not to be missed!
Why You’ll Love This Epic Grilled Chicken Greek Salad Bowl with Tzatziki
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 35 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, it aligns with a nutritious diet.
- Flavorful: The marinated grilled chicken and zesty tzatziki sauce add incredible flavor to each bite.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- One Bowl Meal: Everything is served in one bowl, reducing cleanup time!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and workspace efficiently. Start by gathering all ingredients listed in the recipe to streamline the cooking experience. You will need a cutting board, sharp knives, a mixing bowl for the marinade, and another bowl for the salad ingredients. If you’re using a grill or grill pan, make sure it’s preheated to medium-high heat for optimal grilling conditions.
Have your measuring spoons and cups handy to ensure accurate ingredient amounts. A whisk or fork is also useful to mix the marinade and tzatziki sauce smoothly. Once everything is prepped, you’ll find the cooking process flows seamlessly, resulting in delicious grilled chicken that’s grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, to top
Instructions
Step 1: Marinade the Chicken
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, one minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, extending the marination period to 30 minutes can enhance the flavor even more.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The key is to achieve a beautiful char while keeping the chicken juicy. After grilling, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki
While the chicken is grilling, you can whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, the grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, one minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Store it in the fridge while you finish your salad preparation.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 sliced cucumber, 1/2 diced green bell pepper, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and if desired, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar or additional lemon juice. Lightly season with salt and pepper before tossing to ensure all the veggies are coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Begin assembling your salad bowls by layering the tossed salad as a base. Top it with slices of the grilled chicken and don’t forget to generously spoon over the creamy tzatziki sauce. Finally, for a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh dill on top to bring everything together beautifully.
Variations
- Protein: Swap out chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as olives, spinach, or roasted peppers, for added flavor.
- Spices: Elevate the dish with spices like paprika or cumin in the chicken marinade for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- For quicker preparation, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce.
- Ensure the grill is hot enough before placing the chicken to achieve perfect grill marks.
- Let the grilled chicken rest before cutting to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the salad bowls with warm pita or flatbreads on the side.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal experience.
Tips
- Feel free to marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavors.
- Adjust the quantity of garlic in the tzatziki according to your preference.
- For crunch, add crushed pita chips on top before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator.
Can I use another type of yogurt?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular yogurt will work, but it may be thinner in texture.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
You can replace olive oil with avocado oil or another mild vegetable oil.
Is this meal gluten-free?
Yes, this Greek Salad Bowl is gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free pita or skip the bread entirely.
Conclusion
In summary, the Epic Grilled Chicken Greek Salad Bowl with Tzatziki is not only a feast for the senses but also a simple and nutritious meal. Packed with flavor and textures, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a weeknight family dinner. The balance of the marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki creates a delicious dish that reflects the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Don’t hesitate to share your own variations of this meal in the comments and inspire others to explore new culinary horizons!
Print
Epic Grilled Chicken Greek Salad Bowl with Tzatziki
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Epic Grilled Chicken Greek Salad Bowl with Tzatziki brings the flavors of the Mediterranean directly to your table!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, to top
Instructions
- Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, one minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, extending the marination period to 30 minutes can enhance the flavor even more.
- Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The key is to achieve a beautiful char while keeping the chicken juicy. After grilling, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it tender and juicy.
- While the chicken is grilling, you can whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, the grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, one minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Store it in the fridge while you finish your salad preparation.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 sliced cucumber, 1/2 diced green bell pepper, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and if desired, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar or additional lemon juice. Lightly season with salt and pepper before tossing to ensure all the veggies are coated with the dressing.
- Begin assembling your salad bowls by layering the tossed salad as a base. Top it with slices of the grilled chicken and don’t forget to generously spoon over the creamy tzatziki sauce. Finally, for a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh dill on top to bring everything together beautifully.
Notes
This recipe is easily adjustable. Feel free to swap out proteins or add additional toppings to suit your taste!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 40 g