Greek Chicken Salad with Whipped Feta (Print version)
Grilled chicken on crisp Mediterranean greens with a tangy, creamy whipped feta dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grilled Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Salad Base
07 - 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 medium cucumber, sliced
10 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
12 - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
→ Whipped Feta Dressing
13 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
14 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
18 - 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
19 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Optional Garnishes
20 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
21 - Extra crumbled feta cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Set a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and allow it to reach full temperature before cooking.
02 - Coat the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, rubbing the seasoning into both sides.
03 - Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - Combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Arrange the romaine or mixed greens on a large serving platter or in individual bowls. Distribute the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers evenly over the greens.
06 - Layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the assembled vegetables.
07 - Generously spoon the whipped feta dressing over the chicken and salad.
08 - Finish with freshly chopped dill or parsley and an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta if desired. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The whipped feta dressing is dangerously good and you will want to put it on everything from roasted vegetables to plain toast.
- It comes together in about thirty five minutes with zero complicated techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something vibrant and fresh.
02 -
- Do not skip the resting step after grilling because cutting into hot chicken immediately lets all the juices run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat where they belong.
- Block feta blended with a splash of its own brine creates a significantly creamier dressing than pre crumbled feta ever will.
03 -
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels before adding the oil and seasonings because moisture on the surface prevents a proper sear from forming.
- Add a tablespoon of the feta brine directly to the food processor when blending the dressing for an extra hit of tangy depth that ties everything together beautifully.