Description
This Greek Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad with fresh vegetables and olives. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 1 ½” pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp Greek yogurt (whole milk yogurt or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp oregano (dried or fresh finely chopped)
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (whole milk yogurt or sour cream)
- 1 small cucumber (grated and juices squeezed out)
- ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 tbsp dill (or parsley finely chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
For the Greek Salad
- 2 heads romaine (chopped)
- 3 small cucumbers (sliced)
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes (diced)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Chicken: Preheat your grill to 450ºF. Cut the chicken thighs into 1 ½ inch pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, oregano, and kosher salt. Mix well, then cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors infuse.
- Skewer and Grill Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip the skewers over and grill for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken grills, prepare the tzatziki by mixing the Greek yogurt with the grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, chopped dill, and salt. Stir well to combine. Cover the sauce and refrigerate until ready to serve to let flavors meld.
- Assemble the Greek Salad: In serving bowls, start with a base of chopped romaine lettuce. Toss together sliced cucumbers and diced cherry tomatoes with white wine vinegar, salt, and olive oil. Divide the dressed vegetables, kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion evenly among the bowls.
- Serve: Add a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce to each salad. Place the hot grilled chicken souvlaki skewers on top, and serve immediately for a fresh, colorful, and authentic Greek meal.
Notes
- Use whole milk Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier, richer marinade and tzatziki.
- Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor but you can substitute with chicken breasts if desired.
- Marinating the chicken longer can intensify the flavor but avoid exceeding 2 hours to keep the texture tender.
- For an indoor alternative, grill the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or broil in the oven.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste in both marinade and tzatziki for balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek grilled chicken, chicken souvlaki, tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, Mediterranean chicken, healthy grilled chicken salad
