Need a quick, flavorful meal in 30 minutes? This Chicken Gyro Salad is your answer. With marinated Greek chicken and classic toppings, it’s a fresh, healthy choice for any time of the day!
This chicken gyro salad recipe is fresh, healthy and full of vibrant flavors and colors. You take your favorite greens, top it with marinated chicken and all your favorite Greek flavors. Then top the whole thing with freshly made Tzatziki Sauce and you’re all set! It’s a filling power meal for one or a lighter lunch or dinner for two. It’s easy to throw together and keeps you fueled for your day.
Greek food tends to be fairly light, refreshing, and has a really unique flavor. If you enjoy the flavors in this salad, you’ll also have to try my Grilled Chicken Pitas and Greek Meatballs!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Salad
- This Chicken Gyro Salad is packed with so much flavor like a burst of Mediterranean goodness, satisfying you with every forkful.
- Loaded with lean protein, crisp greens, and wholesome toppings, it’s a light yet nourishing tasty meal.
- This salad is versatile and perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s adaptable for meal prep or quick assembly.
Recipe Ingredients
- Tzatziki: This Tzatziki sauce is a plain Greek yogurt-cucumber base that adds creaminess and a tangy, refreshing taste.
- Feta Cheese: With its crumbly texture and salty tang, feta cheese enhances the salad’s Mediterranean flavor.
- Hummus: Its creamy texture and nutty, garlicky flavor provide a luscious contrast to the crisp salad base.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Dressing Alternatives: A drizzle of lemon tahini dressing adds a creamy, nutty twist with a zesty lemon kick. Greek vinaigrette, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano, keeps things light and fresh. For an herby option, try a green goddess dressing. On the other hand, classic Greek salad dressing will add bright flavors.
- Olive Variation: For a briny, bold flavor, substitute regular olives with kalamata olives. Their rich, slightly fruity taste adds a robust Mediterranean twist to your salad.
- Herbs and Spice Variation: Herbs like fresh dill, parsley, mint, or cilantro will give a burst of aromatic freshness that complements the salad’s Mediterranean vibe. Spice things up with a sprinkle of cumin for earthy warmth, smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or sumac for a citrusy tang. A pinch of kosher salt will also help enhance these flavors.
How to Make Chicken Gyro Salad
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl or Ziplock bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Add chicken and mix until combined. Marinate for 15 minutes (or as long as 24 hours).
Step 3: Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Remove and tent with foil for 10 minutes before cutting.
Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients for the salad. Serve in one medium-sized bowl or divide between two salad bowls or plates.
Step 5: Top with warm chicken and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts. They are juicier and have a richer flavor. Note you may need to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
You can add extra veggies like grape tomatoes and romaine lettuce for extra crunch and freshness. Roasted zucchini, seedless cucumber, eggplant, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts will also bring more Mediterranean flair.
Storage Info
STORE Chicken Gyro Salad leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and salad separate to prevent sogginess. The marinated chicken can be frozen for up to two months.
To REHEAT, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or oven until hot. Assemble the salad fresh in a large bowl each time to maintain its crispness. Avoid freezing the salad components as they can lose texture and flavor.
Chicken Gyro Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic - minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
For the Salad:
- 4 oz. greens - rinsed
- cherry tomatoes - halved
- sliced cucumber
- thinly sliced red onion
- marinated olives
- crispy chickpeas
- hummus
- Tzatziki dressing
- feta
- pita wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl or Ziplock bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Add chicken and mix until combined. Marinate for 15 minutes (or as long as 24 hours).
- Place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Remove and tent with foil for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients for the salad. Serve in one medium-sized bowl or divide between two salad bowls or plates.
- Top with warm chicken and serve.
Great!
This recipe has become a family staple. Great for hot days!