Name: Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487507H32M36S
Total time: PT-487507H32M36S
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup cooked rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, sliced; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1 cup cooked quinoa; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki is a vibrant, refreshing, and healthy dish that combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a generous drizzle of creamy tzatziki sauce. With the added texture of quinoa and pasta, this salad is filling enough to be a main dish while still light and fresh. Perfect for a summer meal or when you’re craving Mediterranean flavors, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and refreshing: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olives add vibrant flavors to the salad, while the tzatziki sauce brings a creamy, cooling element.
Healthy and filling: Packed with lean protein from the grilled chicken, fiber from quinoa and veggies, and good carbs from pasta, this salad is satisfying without being heavy.
Mediterranean flavors: The combination of lemon, oregano, and tzatziki sauce brings a deliciously fresh Mediterranean twist to your salad.
Versatile: Serve this as a main dish or a side; it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup cooked rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the pasta and quinoa:
While the chicken marinates, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool. Simultaneously, cook the quinoa and fluff it once it’s done. Set both aside to cool.
Grill the chicken:
Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the vegetables:
Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and pit and slice the kalamata olives. Chop fresh parsley or dill for garnish.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, layer the cooled pasta and quinoa. Add the grilled chicken on top, followed by the sliced veggies and olives.
Add the tzatziki:
Drizzle the tzatziki sauce generously over the salad.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley or dill over the salad for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing:

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes (including marinating time)
Total time: 30-40 minutes

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you plan to store the salad, keep the tzatziki sauce separate to prevent it from making the salad soggy.
Meal prep: This salad is great for meal prep! Prepare the chicken, quinoa, and veggies in advance, then assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.

Variations:

Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and replace it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a hearty vegetarian salad.
Add feta cheese: For an extra Mediterranean touch, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.
Extra crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch and texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki will work just fine, though homemade tzatziki adds a fresh touch if you have time to make it!

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just slice it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Greek Salad with Tzatziki is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—light, refreshing, and satisfying. With juicy chicken, Mediterranean vegetables, quinoa, pasta, and the creamy goodness of tzatziki, this salad is sure to be a hit at any table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main or a side, it’s a deliciously healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh, vibrant ingredients!