If you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s packed with Mediterranean goodness, look no further than this Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad.
It’s an easy-to-make dish that combines the juicy, perfectly cooked chicken from the air fryer with a fresh, tangy salad, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a nutritious dinner, this recipe will become your go-to for delicious, hassle-free meals.
What Makes This Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad So Special?
This Greek Chicken Salad stands out for several reasons:
- Air fryer cooking: The chicken is cooked in an air fryer, which ensures it’s crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. It’s a healthier cooking method compared to frying, using little to no oil.
- Mediterranean flavors: Packed with classic Greek ingredients like feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes, this salad delivers a burst of fresh and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the seasoned chicken.
- Quick & easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s full of nutrition and doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Rub them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken for even coverage.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Toss gently to mix.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Once the chicken has rested and been sliced, add it on top of the prepared salad. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and drizzle with the homemade dressing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Toss everything together just before serving, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, healthy Greek chicken salad!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad
To make sure your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Evenly coat the chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts are coated evenly with the olive oil and seasoning. This helps create a crisp exterior and ensures the flavors are well-distributed.
- Rest the chicken: After cooking the chicken in the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any veggies you prefer. Bell peppers, red peppers, or even avocado can make great additions to the salad.
- Use fresh feta: For the best flavor, opt for fresh crumbled feta rather than pre-shredded versions. Fresh feta adds a creamy, rich texture to the salad.
- Make your dressing ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and let it sit for a little while. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it taste even better.
- Air fryer variations: If you want to add a bit of crunch, toss a handful of chickpeas in the air fryer for the last 5 minutes of cooking the chicken. They’ll get crispy and make a great topping for the salad.
How to Serve Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad
This Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in a few different ways to suit your preferences or meal needs:
- On its own: For a light and refreshing meal, serve the salad on its own with a drizzle of the dressing. It’s a perfect low-carb option!
- Wrap it up: If you’re craving something more filling, roll the salad and chicken into a whole wheat or gluten-free wrap for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
- With pita or flatbread: Serve it with warm pita or flatbread for a more traditional Greek meal. The bread pairs beautifully with the feta and dressing.
- Meal prep option: This salad is great for meal prep. Store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just add the sliced chicken and toss with the dressing.
- Top with additional toppings: Consider adding some roasted nuts, like pine nuts or almonds, for added crunch, or drizzle with a little extra olive oil and lemon for a burst of flavor.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad combines all the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in one quick and easy meal. From the crispy, perfectly cooked chicken to the fresh veggies and tangy dressing, it’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or sharing with others, this recipe is a hit for any occasion. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s the perfect solution for busy days when you want something healthy without sacrificing flavor. So, grab your air fryer and dive into this colorful, flavorful salad that’s sure to become a favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, though they may take slightly longer to cook. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dressing up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, red onions, olives, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant can be great additions to the salad.
4. How long will the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
If you plan to make extra for leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. The salad will last for up to 2 days in the fridge, but be mindful that the veggies might lose some of their crunch over time.
5. Can I make this salad without feta cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free version or just don’t like feta, you can skip it or substitute with a dairy-free cheese or even a sprinkle of roasted nuts for a crunchy texture.
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer (or any brand)
- 1 Large bowl for mixing salad
- 1 Small bowl for preparing the dressing
- 1 Whisk for dressing
- 1 Knife for slicing chicken and vegetables
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens arugula, spinach, or romaine
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Salad: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad by combining the mixed greens, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the chicken is cooked and rested, slice it into strips and add it to the salad. Top with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle the salad with the dressing.
- Serve: Toss everything together just before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Thighs Alternative: You can use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Add Extra Crunch: Try adding roasted chickpeas or croutons for added crunch.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad when ready to serve.
- Leftovers: Store leftover salad and chicken separately for the best freshness. The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the chicken should be eaten within 3 days.
