If you’re craving a healthy and vibrant meal that whisks you right to the Mediterranean coast, Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad are here to make your day—and possibly your entire week! Each bite packs zesty marinated chicken, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy olives, and creamy feta over a fluffy bed of rice or couscous. With fresh, lively flavors and all the satisfaction of a traditional Greek spread, these bowls are a guaranteed hit for lunch, dinner, meal prepping, or even as party fare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one bringing something special to the table. From the brightness of lemon to the creaminess of feta, nothing here is fussy, but every choice makes this dish truly delicious.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, these soak up the marinade beautifully for flavorful bites every time.
- Olive Oil: Both for marinating the chicken and dressing the salad, olive oil is essential for richness and authenticity.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed if possible; its tang wakes up the flavors and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced garlic in the marinade infuses the chicken with that unmistakable Mediterranean depth.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that perfumes both the chicken and the salad.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a beautiful color to the souvlaki.
- Salt & Pepper: A pinch of each brings every flavor to life.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color–they’re the heart of the salad!
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber keeps the salad lively.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of bite and lovely color contrast.
- Kalamata Olives: Their briny punch is classic Greek–don’t skip them!
- Red Wine Vinegar: Brightens the salad, balancing the richness of the feta and olives.
- Basmati Rice or Couscous: Choose your favorite as a fluffy base that soaks up every flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of green.
- Lemon Wedges: Extra lemon over each bowl is a must for sparkle!
- Tzatziki Sauce or Greek Yogurt: Optional, but totally worth it for an extra creamy layer.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss them well to make sure each cube is coated in this sunny marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 2 hours if you want the deepest flavor infusion! Even just a half hour gives major results.
Step 2: Grill or Sauté the Chicken
Warm up a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken cubes onto the hot surface and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re after that gorgeous golden color and cooked-through juiciness. Remove them from the heat and let them rest for a minute while the other ingredients come together.
Step 3: Toss Together the Tomato-Cucumber Salad
While your chicken cooks, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently so each vegetable gets coated, but don’t overmix—they should hold their shapes.
Step 4: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Now for the fun part! Scoop a generous serving of basmati rice or couscous into each bowl. Top with slices of the juicy grilled chicken and heap on the vibrant tomato-cucumber salad. Scatter crumbled feta and chopped parsley over everything. For those who love a creamy touch, finish with a spoonful of tzatziki or a drizzle of Greek yogurt. Don’t forget a big wedge of lemon for squeezing!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
The garnish possibilities make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad look as good as they taste. Add extra parsley, a shower of crumbled feta, or lemon wedges around the edge. For real restaurant-level flair, try a sprinkle of sumac or a flourish of black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
For a bigger Greek feast, serve these bowls alongside warm pita bread for sopping up juices, a little bowl of extra tzatziki, or even a simple lentil soup. Roasted potatoes with oregano keep the meal hearty and traditional, while hummus or dolmas bring even more variety to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make dinner extra special? Try serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad buffet-style, letting everyone build their own bowl with extra toppings and sauces. Or, plate everything in shallow platters for a family-style Mediterranean spread, complete with decorative bowls of olives and lemon slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad keep beautifully in the fridge. Store the chicken and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This way, everything stays fresh, and you can build a quick lunch with just a scoop of each component!
Freezing
While the chicken freezes and reheats well (store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months), the salad should be enjoyed fresh for that crisp crunch. If you want to freeze components, stick to the chicken and rice or couscous, and make a fresh salad when ready to serve.
Reheating
Warm the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave until just heated through—don’t overdo it, as you want the chicken to stay juicy. Fluff up the rice or couscous as you reheat, then top with cold salad and all the finishing touches for a “just made” feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic swap for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad. They’ll come out extra juicy and flavorful—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may need a few extra minutes, depending on their thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or marinated tofu. The marinade and salads work beautifully with vegetarian proteins, so you don’t have to miss out on anything delicious.
What rice or grain works best as the base?
Basmati rice, couscous, or even quinoa all pair perfectly with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad. Choose whichever you love most or need to use up from your pantry. Each one soaks up those tasty juices and balances the meal’s textures.
Can I meal prep this for lunches?
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad were made for meal prep! Assemble each component in separate containers (or stack them in layers if you’re meal prepping bowls) and enjoy a quick, flavorful lunch that tastes just as good as fresh.
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
No problem at all! A regular skillet or nonstick pan works just fine for cooking the chicken. Get the pan nice and hot for that lovely browning; the marinade ensures plenty of flavor, whether it’s grilled or sautéed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato-Cucumber Salad—they’re lively, fresh, and unbelievably satisfying, every single time. Whether you’re spicing up a weeknight dinner or inviting friends for a backyard meal, you can’t go wrong with these Mediterranean flavors. Give them a try and get ready to fall in love, one vibrant, zesty bite at a time!