Name: Greek Chicken Slaw
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked grilled chicken, sliced; 4 cups shredded cabbage slaw mix; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh, zesty, and packed with texture, this Greek Chicken Slaw is the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. Every bite delivers a refreshing crunch, juicy grilled chicken, creamy feta, and tangy olives — all layered on a colorful bed of slaw and crisp veggies. Tossed with a simple herby vinaigrette, it’s the kind of salad that’s satisfying, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came together on a summer afternoon when the fridge held leftover grilled chicken, some crisp cabbage mix, and a handful of Mediterranean staples. Rather than stick to the usual leafy greens, I went for slaw — and the result was magic. The shredded crunch gave the salad an extra dimension, while the Greek flavors brought it all to life. It’s now a year-round favorite, whether as a light lunch, side dish, or main meal.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant, fresh ingredients and bold, sun-kissed flavors. While traditional Greek salads focus on large-cut tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, this twist introduces a shredded slaw base for a modern, crunchier spin. Inspired by classic Greek elements like olive oil, lemon, oregano, and kalamata olives, this dish celebrates those Mediterranean roots in a refreshing, protein-packed way.

Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Slaw

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a game-changer.

Versatile: Works as a meal, a side dish, or a picnic star.

Budget-Friendly: Uses easy-to-find, affordable ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 25 minutes.

Customizable: Add or swap ingredients based on what you have.

Crowd-Pleasing: Bright, bold, and loaded with satisfying textures.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Preps well for lunches or gatherings.

Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Let’s make sure every bowl is bursting with flavor.

Grill your chicken with lemon and herbs: It deepens the flavor and pairs beautifully with the dressing.
Slice the veggies thinly: For that perfect bite, use a mandoline or sharp knife to get even slices.
Let it rest before serving: Letting the slaw sit for 10 minutes lets the flavors blend beautifully.
Use high-quality feta and olives: These two ingredients shine in this dish, so the better the quality, the better the final result.
Dress lightly at first: You can always add more dressing later — no soggy salads here.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few basic kitchen tools is all it takes to create this Mediterranean masterpiece.

Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing the veggies and chicken.

Grill Pan or Skillet: To cook or reheat your chicken.

Mixing Bowl: To toss everything together evenly.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: To keep the dressing balanced.

Whisk or Jar with Lid: For blending the vinaigrette.

Ingredients in Greek Chicken Slaw

This bowl is a colorful celebration of crisp textures and bold flavors.

Cooked Grilled Chicken: 2 cups, sliced. Juicy and herby, the protein star of this salad.
Shredded Cabbage Slaw Mix: 4 cups. The crunchy base that sets this apart from classic salads.
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved. Juicy and sweet, they add a burst of brightness.
Cucumber: 1 cup, thinly sliced. Cool, refreshing, and classic in Greek dishes.
Red Onion: ½ small, thinly sliced. Sharp and vibrant, balancing the creaminess of the feta.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup, pitted and halved. Briny and bold, adding depth.
Feta Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled. Creamy and salty with a tang that ties everything together.
Avocado: 1, sliced. Adds creaminess and richness.
Olive Oil: ¼ cup. Smooth and essential for the vinaigrette.
Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Adds a zesty tang.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Bright and citrusy to lift the flavors.
Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Brings warmth to the dressing.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Classic Greek flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Making swaps? Here’s what works great.

Grilled Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or even grilled shrimp.

Slaw Mix: Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce.

Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Feta: Goat cheese or vegan feta alternative.

Kalamata Olives: Black olives or green olives.

Avocado: Hummus dollop or omit for a lighter version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shredded Cabbage Slaw Mix: A refreshing twist on traditional salad greens, offering crunch, freshness, and a longer fridge life.

Kalamata Olives: These deep purple olives are iconic in Greek cuisine, offering a tangy, briny bite that complements the creamy feta and zesty dressing.

Instructions for Making Greek Chicken Slaw

Ready to toss it all together? Here’s how to build this beautiful bowl.

Preheat Your Equipment:
If using fresh chicken, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Grill or reheat chicken until warmed and slightly charred. Slice into strips.
Assemble the Dish:
In a large bowl, toss slaw mix with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta. Add sliced chicken and avocado.
Cook to Perfection:
Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to blend.
Finishing Touches:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with extra feta or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs or more avocado.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The beauty of this dish is in the contrast. Crunchy cabbage and cucumbers meet creamy avocado and tangy feta. Juicy tomatoes and briny olives offer bursts of flavor, while the herby vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s layered, it’s fresh, and every forkful is a flavor bomb.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Keep these in mind to elevate your slaw game:

Pat the chicken dry before grilling for a better sear.
Use a mandoline for quick and uniform slicing.
Chill your bowl for extra salad crispness.

What to Avoid

Even a salad can hit a few bumps if you’re not careful.

Overdressing: Slaw can go soggy fast, so start light and add as needed.
Using bland chicken: Make sure it’s seasoned or marinated for max flavor.
Cutting veggies too thick: Thin slices help balance every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is a meal-prep dream. You can make the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Keep the slaw and toppings prepped and separate, then toss together when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well for 1 to 2 days in an airtight container.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Slaw

Serve it as a light main or a hearty side. Pair with warm pita, hummus, or a small bowl of lentil soup. Want to make it portable? Pack it into a mason jar for lunch on the go.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give those extras a tasty second life.

Wrap it Up: Stuff into pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki.
Slaw Tacos: Spoon into corn tortillas and top with extra avocado.
Greek Bowl: Add quinoa or farro and turn it into a grain bowl.

Additional Tips

Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes before using to mellow the garlic.
For extra zing, add a few capers or chopped pepperoncini.
Grill your chicken with oregano and lemon zest for bonus flavor.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes this pop. Serve in a wide, shallow bowl so the toppings shine. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh oregano, or a light crumble of feta right before serving. A drizzle of olive oil across the top never hurts either.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas.
Mediterranean Power Bowl: Add quinoa, roasted red peppers, and hummus.
Spicy Greek Slaw: Add chili flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan feta or omit cheese altogether.
Tzatziki Twist: Replace dressing with a light tzatziki sauce.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor.

Q2: What kind of slaw mix is best?

A mix of green and purple cabbage with shredded carrots works perfectly.

Q3: Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, just double-check your feta and dressing ingredients.

Q4: Can I make this vegan?

Yes, skip the chicken and cheese, and load up on plant-based toppings.

Q5: Can I use bottled dressing?

Sure, but homemade Greek vinaigrette brings better freshness and control.

Q6: How long does it keep?

Best within 1 to 2 days if stored separately from the dressing.

Q7: What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

Try white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tang.

Q8: Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Keep dressing separate and assemble just before eating.

Q9: Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add crushed red pepper or fresh chili slices.

Q10: Is this a good potluck dish?

Yes! Just keep the chicken and dressing separate until serving.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Slaw is the perfect blend of freshness, texture, and bold Mediterranean flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner, lunch prep, or a vibrant side dish, it brings sunshine to the table in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going straight into your regular rotation.