Greek Chicken Pita Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Lunch
If you’re looking for a light, yet satisfying lunch, this Greek Chicken Pita Salad is an excellent choice. It’s a wonderful option for meal prepping, as the chicken mixture needs to chill for at least two hours, giving you ample time to prepare other meals or enjoy some downtime. With its fresh vegetables, creamy yogurt dressing, and protein-packed chicken, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for easy, nutritious meals. Here’s how to make this delicious and refreshing Greek-inspired dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber, diced | 3 |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/3 cup |
| Kalamata olives, pitted | 1/4 cup |
| Plain yogurt | 3/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Minced garlic cloves | 1 |
| Lettuce leaves | 4-5 large leaves |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 286.9 kcal |
| Fat | 11.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 56.5 mg |
| Sodium | 418.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23.7 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugar | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 20.8 g |
Recipe Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
Begin by combining the diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and pitted kalamata olives in a large bowl. Stir gently to combine. -
-
Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, dried oregano, and minced garlic. Ensure everything is well blended to form a smooth dressing. -
Combine the Chicken and Dressing:
Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. -
Chill the Mixture:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to chill for at least 2 hours. This step helps the flavors meld together, making the salad even more delicious. -
Assemble the Pitas:
When you’re ready to serve, take each pita half and line it with a fresh lettuce leaf. Then, spoon about 1/2 cup of the chilled chicken mixture into each pita half, spreading it evenly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Greek Chicken Pita Salad immediately for a refreshing lunch or snack. This recipe yields 8 pita halves, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Tips for Success
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. The chicken mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, so you can prepare it ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your veggies. You could add diced tomatoes, red onions, or even bell peppers to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make it Your Own: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and use more yogurt. You can also substitute the chicken with grilled turkey or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Pita Salad
This Greek Chicken Pita Salad is packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil in the mayonnaise, and a burst of flavor from the feta, olives, and fresh herbs. It’s the ideal recipe for a nutritious yet satisfying lunch, and the chill time ensures the flavors intensify, giving you a delightful meal every time you prepare it. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.
Enjoy this refreshing Greek-inspired salad, and donβt forget to share it with family and friends for a delicious lunch or snack thatβs as nutritious as it is flavorful!
