This herb-marinated grilled chicken with traditional village Greek salad has become one of my absolute favorite Mediterranean recipes! The combination of tender, flavorful chicken with that fresh, vibrant salad creates such an amazing meal that transports you straight to the Greek islands.
Let’s get cooking!
What is this Mediterranean chicken and Greek salad?
This recipe combines perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breasts with a classic village-style Greek salad. The chicken gets marinated in aromatic herbs and olive oil, while the salad brings together all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors – juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and those incredible Kalamata olives.
What goes into this Mediterranean feast?
Ingredients for 4 servings:
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Greek salad:
- 3 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Equipment you’ll find useful for this Mediterranean recipe:
Here’s a list of kitchen accessories and tools I recommend:
- Grill or grill pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Tips and tricks for perfect Mediterranean chicken
The secret to amazing grilled chicken is proper marinating time – at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours gives you even better results!
How to make this incredible Mediterranean chicken and Greek salad?
1. Prepare the amazing marinade
First, let’s create that wonderful marinade that will give our chicken all those beautiful Mediterranean flavors.
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix everything really well until the marinade is completely combined.
2. Marinate the chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated!
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though I recommend up to 4 hours if you have the time – the flavors get even more incredible.
3. Time to grill this beauty
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling, then slice into strips. This resting time keeps all those wonderful juices inside!
4. Create the perfect Greek salad
While the chicken is resting, prepare your gorgeous Greek salad.
In a large bowl, combine:
- Tomato wedges
- Sliced cucumber
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Kalamata olives
5. Make the village-style dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
6. Bring everything together
Pour the dressing over your salad vegetables and toss gently to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve alongside your beautifully sliced grilled chicken.
Helpful tips for this Mediterranean masterpiece
- Don’t skip the marinating time – it really makes a huge difference in flavor
- Make sure your grill is properly heated before adding the chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness every time
- The Greek salad tastes even better when it sits for a few minutes to let the flavors meld
- Try to use the best quality olive oil and feta cheese you can find – it really elevates the dish
This Mediterranean combination is absolutely perfect for a healthy, flavorful dinner. The fresh salad balances beautifully with the herb-marinated chicken, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Remember, the magic of Mediterranean cooking comes from using fresh, quality ingredients and letting those simple flavors shine through. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 16 minutes | Total Time: 36 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings