Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

Name: Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts; 3 small to medium heads romaine lettuce; 1/2 English cucumber; 1 medium bell pepper; 1 cup kalamata olives; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup feta cheese; For tzatziki dressing: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, cucumber

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

June 18, 2025

Updated:

June 18, 2025

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Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and crispy pita croutons. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a healthy weeknight dinner, this salad offers bright flavors and satisfying textures. The creamy tzatziki dressing brings everything together, making it a standout meal. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or serve it at your next barbecue for an impressive yet easy-to-make option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and tzatziki dressing creates a deliciously vibrant dish.
Quick Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, you can have this refreshing salad ready in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish or side salad, this recipe suits various occasions and preferences.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh produce, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components in advance for an easy assembly later on.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking much more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential pieces of equipment to gather before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Blender or food processor
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for precise cutting of vegetables and chicken, enhancing presentation.
Blender or food processor: Essential for creating a smooth tzatziki dressing that blends all flavors seamlessly.

Ingredients

For the Tzatziki Dressing

1/2 seedless/English cucumber (peeled and finely diced)
1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher salt)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
1 clove garlic (finely minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Pinch of black pepper

For the Chicken Marinade

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (thin cut recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
1/3 cup buttermilk
4 cloves garlic (finely minced or pressed or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon coarse (kosher salt)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground preferred)

For the Pita Croutons

4 to 5 pita breads or flatbreads

For the Salad

3 small to medium heads romaine (chopped, about 8 cups)
1/2 to 1 seedless/English cucumber (peeled and diced)
1 medium bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange, cored, seeded, and diced)
1 cup chopped or sliced kalamata or black olives
1 cup chopped cherry or roma tomatoes
1/4 to 1/2 red onion (sliced into thin slivers)
1/2 cup feta cheese (or more to taste)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing

Start by placing the cucumbers in a colander or fine mesh strainer. Sprinkle with the coarse salt and toss them. Let them drain for 15–20 minutes to reduce excess water. Then blend the drained cucumbers with the remaining dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate until serving; this dressing can be made up to a week in advance.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow dish or gallon-size ziplock bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, buttermilk, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are well-coated with marinade. Cover or seal the bag and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. Grill on medium-high heat until cooked through—an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F at the thickest part. Let rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Make Pita Croutons

Cut pita bread into small squares of about 1/4–to 1/2-inch in size. Arrange them evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; you want them golden brown and crunchy. Store toasted pita croutons in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to three days.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and onions. You can toss everything together right now if serving immediately; otherwise, mix only the veggies together first. When ready to serve each portion separately add grilled chicken slices on top along with tzatziki dressing drizzle over everything then finish with pita croutons and feta cheese crumbles.

Enjoy your delicious Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing!

How to Serve Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, these serving ideas will elevate your meal.

As a Main Course

This salad can stand alone as a hearty main course. The combination of chicken, veggies, and feta provides plenty of protein and flavor.

In a Wrap

For a fun twist, wrap the salad in pita bread or flatbreads for an easy-to-eat meal on the go. It makes for a great lunch option!

With Extra Toppings

Add sliced avocado or hard-boiled eggs on top for added creaminess and richness. These toppings complement the salad beautifully.

Family Style

Serve the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table, allowing guests to help themselves. This encourages sharing and adds to the meal’s social aspect.

With Grilled Vegetables

Pair the salad with grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant to enhance its Mediterranean flair. This adds depth and variety to your meal.

How to Perfect Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

To achieve the best results with your Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables yield better flavors and textures, enhancing your overall dish.
Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 12 hours will infuse it with more flavor.
Make Ahead: Prepare the tzatziki dressing in advance for maximum flavor development. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix different greens like spinach or kale with romaine for added nutrients and variety.
Serve Chilled: Letting the salad chill before serving allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Keep Croutons Separate: To maintain crunchiness, store pita croutons separately until just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Chopped Greek Chicken Salad can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

Tzatziki Dip: Serve additional tzatziki on the side with fresh veggies or pita chips for dipping.
Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus varieties paired with pita bread offers a creamy contrast that complements the salad.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a hearty side dish that pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds a delightful crunch alongside your salad.
Stuffed Grape Leaves: These classic Mediterranean bites add unique flavors that harmonize well with your dish.
Olive Tapenade: A tangy olive tapenade served on crostini enhances the flavors of your meal while adding an appetizer element.
Feta Cheese Breadsticks: Lightly seasoned breadsticks sprinkled with feta cheese provide an enjoyable side that ties into your main dish’s theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

Overseasoning the dressing: Many people add too much salt or pepper. Start with less and adjust after blending for the best flavor.
Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland meat. Take the time to marinate for at least 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Not draining cucumbers properly: If you skip draining cucumbers, your dressing can become watery. Allow them to sit with salt for 15-20 minutes before adding to your dressing.
Making soggy leftovers: Tossing the salad all at once can make it soggy when stored. Instead, combine ingredients separately and mix just before serving.
Using stale pita bread for croutons: Fresh pita will yield better texture and flavor in your croutons. Use fresh or properly stored pita for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The salad is best eaten within 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.

Freezing Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

It’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad due to the freshness of veggies and croutons.
You can freeze grilled chicken separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add chicken pieces, and warm until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Tzatziki dressing special in Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons?

The Tzatziki dressing adds a refreshing tang and creaminess that perfectly complements the flavors of the salad. The combination of yogurt, garlic, and cucumber creates a unique taste profile.

Can I customize my Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like artichokes or radishes. Swap out feta cheese for goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.

How long does it take to prepare Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons?

The total time is about 795 minutes, which includes marinating time. However, active preparation is around 30 minutes once everything is ready.

Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Yes! Leftover grilled chicken works wonderfully in this salad. Just slice it up and toss it with your other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Chopped Greek Chicken Salad with Pita Croutons and Tzatziki Dressing is a vibrant dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, this salad is sure to impress!