If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh meal that bursts with flavor and a touch of rustic charm, look no further than the Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe. This dish perfectly combines crisp, garden-fresh veggies with tender, tangy Greek chicken that’s been lovingly marinated in creamy yogurt and fragrant herbs. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will make you feel like you’re dining in the sun-soaked Mediterranean. Whether for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is pure joy in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to craft a salad bowl that sings with Mediterranean flavors. Each item plays a crucial role, from fresh, crunchy vegetables to aromatic herbs and a luscious homemade dressing that brings everything together.
- Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken breasts (2, cooked and chopped): The star protein, tenderized and flavored by a creamy, tangy marinade.
- Romaine hearts (4 cups, chopped): Provides a crisp, refreshing base with a slight bite and vibrant green color.
- Cucumber (1, sliced thin into half moons): Adds a cool, juicy crunch that balances the savory elements.
- Tomatoes (4 small, sliced): Brings a sweet, acidic pop that brightens the entire bowl.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Rich and salty, it’s a classic Mediterranean touch that adds creamy depth.
- Pickled red cabbage: Offers tang and a splash of color for visual and flavor contrast.
- Kalamata olives: Bold and briny, these olives boost the salty dimension beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of herbal freshness to lighten each forkful.
- Sliced red onion: Sharp and mildly spicy, it lends complexity and crunch.
- Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Delivers richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (6 tablespoons): Provides acidity that brightens and balances flavors perfectly.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Enhances freshness with a bright citrus zing.
- Honey (1½ tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness to mellow the tartness and round out the dressing.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Gives a sweet, peppery herbal hint, grounding the dressing.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Complements the fresh parsley with gentle earthiness.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Is essential for that authentic Mediterranean flavor foundation.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Imparts a warm, comforting note without overpowering.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a mild spice and aroma.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors to their fullest.
How to Make Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by combining all of the dressing ingredients — extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dried basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper — in a small jar with a lid. Shake it vigorously until the dressing is beautifully emulsified and aromatic. This dressing is the magic that ties every element in the bowl together with bright, savory sweetness and herbaceous notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Use two cooked chicken breasts that have been marinated in yogurt and herbs to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful. Chop them into bite-sized pieces, ready to create delightful, tender protein bites throughout your salad bowl. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken moist and tender, adding a tangy depth that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Bowl
Grab your bowl and start by layering the chopped romaine hearts to form a crisp, green bed. Next, add the thinly sliced cucumber half moons and juicy tomato slices for freshness and color. Scatter the chopped chicken over the top, then drizzle generously with the homemade dressing. Finish by topping with crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, pickled red cabbage, sliced red onion, and fresh parsley. The layers of flavors and textures come together in each bite to create pure Mediterranean bliss.
How to Serve Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl even further, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a handful of fresh mint leaves for cooling, herbal brightness. A few lemon wedges on the side invite an extra squeeze of citrus zing, perfect for brightening the already lively flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad bowl shines as a satisfying main course, but it also pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or crispy pita triangles for dipping and scooping. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a side of hummus or a bowl of warm lentil soup to keep that Mediterranean spirit flowing strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, assemble your Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe in clear glass bowls or jars, layering the ingredients so the vibrant colors peek through. This not only looks stunning but also makes it easy to transport for picnics or packed lunches. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter, letting everyone build their own salad masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad components separately when possible, especially the dressing and chicken, to keep everything fresh. The salad itself keeps best when the dressing is added just before serving to avoid sogginess. Kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator, the elements should stay vibrant and delicious for up to two days.
Freezing
This Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will alter the texture of the fresh vegetables and dressing. However, you can freeze the marinated chicken breasts before cooking if you want to prep in advance, then thaw and cook as needed.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the cooked chicken pieces either in a skillet or microwave until warm throughout. Then toss the fresh salad ingredients together with the chicken and dressing right before serving to maintain all the crispness and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken marinade?
Absolutely! While yogurt marinade adds wonderful tenderness and tang, you can experiment with lemon herb or even a simple olive oil and garlic marinade depending on your taste preferences. Just be mindful of how different marinades affect the final flavor profile of the salad bowl.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid serving it with pita bread or use gluten-free pita alternatives. The fresh ingredients and seasonings do not contain gluten.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas marinated in similar herbs and spices. Replace feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether to keep the salad bowl hearty and plant-friendly.
How long does the yogurt marinated chicken need to marinate?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This gives the yogurt and herbs plenty of time to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor so every bite is juicy and delicious.
What if I don’t have pickled red cabbage?
No worries! You can substitute with sauerkraut, pickled beets, or even thinly sliced radishes for that tangy crunch and gorgeous color contrast in your Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for good reason — it’s fresh, flavorful, and downright addictive. Once you taste the perfect harmony of crisp veggies, tangy chicken, and homemade dressing, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious bowl of sunshine as much as I do!
Print
Mediterranean Salad Bowls with Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Salad Bowl featuring yogurt-marinated Greek chicken, fresh crisp romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, and tangy toppings like feta, kalamata olives, and pickled red cabbage, all brought together with a zesty homemade lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cooked Yogurt Marinated Greek Chicken breasts, chopped
- 4 cups chopped romaine hearts
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced into half moons
- 4 small tomatoes, sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese, to taste
- Pickled red cabbage, to taste
- Kalamata olives, sliced, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
- Sliced red onion, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make Dressing: In a small lidded jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, fresh cracked black pepper, and salt. Shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended and the dressing is emulsified, creating about ¾ cup of dressing.
- Assemble Bowls: In each serving bowl, layer the chopped romaine hearts, sliced cucumber, and tomatoes. Add the chopped yogurt-marinated Greek chicken breasts on top. Drizzle with your desired amount of the fresh lemon-herb dressing. Finish by adding toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, pickled red cabbage, fresh parsley, and sliced red onion. Serve immediately, optionally with pita triangles on the side for a more filling meal or enjoy as a light low-carb salad.
Notes
- The yogurt-marinated Greek chicken can be prepared ahead of time or substituted with grilled chicken of choice.
- Adjust the honey quantity in the dressing to taste for desired sweetness.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and chicken, and consider adding chickpeas or tofu.
- Pickled red cabbage adds a tangy crunch; you can substitute with pickled onions or omit if unavailable.
- Serve with warm pita triangles or crusty bread to make this salad more substantial.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if preparing chicken fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
