• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Give Recipe logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Salads » Turkish Chicken Salad (Tavuk Salata)

    Published: May 31, 2019 · Modified: Jul 12, 2024 by Zerrin & Yusuf

    Turkish Chicken Salad (Tavuk Salata)

    Jump to Recipe

    Turkish Chicken Salad, Tavuk Salata, is a fresh, delicious, and healthy dish that's mayo-free and ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfectly soft and juicy spiced chicken breasts are combined with crisp salad ingredients to create a quick and nutritious meal. 

    A chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley in a white bowl.

    Simple Turkish Salad with a Chicken Twist

    The vibrant crisp salad (without the addition of chicken) is very common in Turkey and doesn't even have a specific name; it is simply called "salata." Whether served for lunch or dinner, this basic salad is always paired with the main dish.

    During the summer or when you're on a diet, it's often topped with a source of protein like chicken and becomes a chicken salad (tavuk salata). It is enjoyed as a complete meal. We love topping our salata with slices of pan-fried Turkish chicken breast, so we will share how we do it below.

    Now, let's see what we need for this easy yet flavor-packed chicken salad from Turkish cuisine.

    About The Ingredients

    Turkish chicken salad doesn’t have any mayonnaise. It tastes so fresh and tangy, well combined with the spices from the chicken pieces that you won't miss any mayonnaise while eating it.

    Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, lemon, Persian cucumbers, olive oil, red pepper flakes, onion, parsley, chicken breasts photographed from top view.

    For the chicken, we use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To season it, we use our homemade Turkish spice blend. This blend is easy to make at home by combining salt, pepper, paprika, pul biber (Turkish style red pepper flakes), oregano, and cumin.

    For the salad base:

    • Use crisp Romaine lettuce, though any type of lettuce works well. 
    • Use Persian or baby cucumbers as they are crispier. But if using English cucumbers, just use a quarter of one. 
    • Use the tastiest tomatoes you can find! 
    • Red onion adds a nice bite, though white onion can be used as a substitute. 
    • Parsley is a staple in Turkish salads, but fresh dill might be a good alternative if you prefer.

    The dressing is very simple yet essential in Turkish salads. It consists of lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.

    Juicy Turkish-Spiced Chicken with an Easy Pan-Frying Method 

    Cooking the chicken breast for our Turkish Chicken Salad is super easy, and you don’t have to worry about the chicken breasts getting dry. With our simple method, they will turn out soft and juicy every time.

    A collage of two pictures, one showing raw chicken breasts that are spiced and the other showing them cooked in a pan.

    Our trick when pan frying chicken breast is to cut slits on each side. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. We use the same method in our cast iron chicken breast recipe.

    The second key point is the spice blend. It's like our chicken dry rub recipe but with the most common Turkish spices. Make sure to coat all parts of the chicken breasts with the spices.

    Simply heat some olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, cook the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side, and then finish cooking on medium heat.

    (Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!)

    Assembling Tavuk Salata in Minutes

    After cooking the chicken breasts, let them sit on a plate to rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, gather the other salad ingredients in a large bowl.

    A collage of four pictures showing the dressing being poured over the salad, salad being tossed, sliced cooked chicken on a wooden board and the salad topped with chicken pieces.

    Prepare the quick dressing by combining freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Pour it over the salad and give it a good toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

    Once the chicken breasts have rested, slice them into bite-sized pieces. Serve the salad topped with the sliced chicken pieces for a delicious, healthy meal.

    Alternative Ingredients to Add 

    You can customize your Turkish Chicken Salad with some additional ingredients.

    Woman hands holding a white bowl filled with chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley.

    Here are our recommendations: 

    • Olives: Adding olives can give your salad a delightful Mediterranean flavor. Use Kalamata or green olives for the best taste.
    • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese complements the spices in the chicken and adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad.
    • Peppers: Green or red peppers add vibrant color and a sweet, crisp texture to the salad.

    What to Serve it With

    This Turkish Chicken Salad is quite satisfying on its own, but if you need some carbs to make the meal more filling, consider serving it with the following dishes: 

    • Turkish Rice Pilav
    • Turkish Bulgur Pilav
    • Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
    • Pide Bread

    Alternatively, use lavash bread to make delicious wraps. Simply fill the bread with the salad and chicken for a tasty meal option. 

    Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

    Yes, you can make this Turkish Chicken Salad ahead of time! For the best results, store the chicken, salad, and dressing separately.

    Cook and slice the chicken breasts, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored this way for up to 4 days. About 15-20 minutes before you're ready to serve, remove the chicken from the fridge to bring it to room temperature.

    Keep the salad ingredients in a separate container, and don't combine them with the dressing if you're planning to store it in the fridge. This prevents the veggies from wilting.

    Lettuce salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley topped with cooked chicken breast slices in a white bowl, a spoon and a fork inside it.

    We recommend storing the salad ingredients for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a jar with a lid for up to a week.

    When you're ready to serve, shake the dressing and pour it over the salad, toss well, and top with the chicken pieces. 

    Can I Use Other Chicken Parts?

    Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for Turkish chicken salad, you can certainly use other chicken parts as well.

    • Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just follow the same seasoning and cooking method, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
    • Chicken Tenderloins: These are another excellent option. Chicken tenders cook faster and remain tender, making them perfect for a quick and easy salad topping.

    More Salad Recipes

    • Rus Salatasi (Russian Salad)
    • Turkish White Bean Salad
    • Turkish Potato Salad
    • Tuna Salad without Mayo
    • Potato Tuna Salad
    • Turkish Onion Salad
    • Eggplant Salad

    As always: If you make this recipe, let us know what you think by rating it and leaving a comment below. And post a pic on Instagram too—tag @give_recipe so we can see!

    Sign up for the FREE GiveRecipe Newsletter to get the new recipes into your inbox! And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    📖 Recipe

    Lettuce salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley topped with cooked chicken breast slices in a white bowl.
    5 from 2 votes

    Turkish Chicken Salad (Tavuk Salata)

    By Zerrin & Yusuf
    This is a fresh, tangy, and healthy chicken salad, free of mayonnaise and packed with flavor. This easy-to-make dish combines juicy, spiced chicken breasts with crisp vegetables and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes.
    Yields: 2 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    PRINT PIN
    PREP 10 minutes mins
    COOK 15 minutes mins
    TOTAL 25 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS
      

    For the Chicken:

    • 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless
    • 1¼ tablespoons Turkish spice blend If you don't have it, use the following spices: 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon pul biber, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    For the salad:

    • 3 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
    • 2 medium tomatoes diced
    • 4 Persian cucumber diced
    • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
    • ½ cup parsley chopped

    Dressing: 

    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Prepare the Chicken: Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel. Cut three slits on both sides of each breast. If using Turkish spice blend, sprinkle it on both sides of the chicken. If not, mix all the spices given above in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts. Use your hands to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
    • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5 minutes, turning them over several times. Be cautious not to overcook the chicken to keep it soft and juicy. If the chicken breasts are larger, they may require a few more minutes to cook thoroughly. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
    • Prepare the Salad: Combine the salad ingredients (lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, sliced onions and chopped parsley) in a bowl. Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
    • Assemble: Divide the salad into two bowls. Slice the rested chicken breasts and place the pieces on top of the salads. Optionally, sprinkle extra pul biber (red pepper flakes) over the chicken before serving.

    NOTES

    1. Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
    2. Chicken Storage: Store cooked and sliced chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving.
    3. Salad Storage: Store salad ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not mix with dressing until ready to serve to prevent wilting.
    4. Dressing Storage: Store dressing in a jar with a lid for up to a week. Shake well before using.
    5. Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture and flavor of the fresh vegetables.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 674kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 53gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 872mgPotassium: 1765mgFiber: 9gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 8774IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 247mgIron: 7mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    ADDITIONAL INFO

    Course Salad
    Cuisine Turkish
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below!

    You Might Also Like

    • Baked chicken thighs, potatoes and cherry tomatoes garnished with parsley in a baking pan and a spoon inside it.
      Turkish Chicken and Potatoes
    • Chicken doner wraps on a wooden board, pickled, French fries, tomato and onion slices on the side.
      Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner)
    • Chicken kebabs with roasted green peppers and tomatoes on a white plate.
      Turkish Chicken Kebabs (Tavuk Şiş)
    « Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
    Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Spinach »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Ice says

      July 22, 2024 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      I make this salad at least once a month and it never disappoints. Thanks for sharing such doable and delicious Turkish food recipes.

      Reply
      • Zerrin & Yusuf says

        July 22, 2024 at 10:46 pm

        Hi Ice,
        Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that our Turkish chicken salad has become a regular favorite in your home. It's wonderful to know that you are enjoying our recipes. Thank you for letting us know!
        Cheers 🙂

        Reply
    2. Elena says

      June 20, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      Love this salad! I made a sandwich with the leftovers. YUM!

      Reply
    3. Mimi says

      June 02, 2019 at 2:34 pm

      Very interesting. I like your choice of herbs. I do love mayo, but with a dressing, its absence wouldn’t be noticed at all! And, it’s pretty.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Chicken seasoning in a glass jar and a small spoon in it.
      Dry Rub For Chicken - Chicken Seasoning
    • Turkish bean stew in a dark colored bowl and a spoon inside it.
      Kuru Fasulye Recipe (Turkish Beans)
    • Roasted tomato soup topped with feta cheese and basil leaves in a white bowl, grilled cheese sandwich dipped into it and more grilled cheese sandwiches behind it.
      Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
    • Turkish chicken dish with a tomato sauce served in a bowl and a fork inside it.
      Tavuk Sote - Turkish Chicken Sauté
    • Chicken doner wraps on a wooden board, pickled, French fries, tomato and onion slices on the side.
      Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner)
    • Baked chicken wings on a rack.
      Baking Powder Chicken Wings Baked In The Oven

    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Chicken seasoning in a glass jar and a small spoon in it.
      Dry Rub For Chicken - Chicken Seasoning
    • Turkish bean stew in a dark colored bowl and a spoon inside it.
      Kuru Fasulye Recipe (Turkish Beans)
    • Roasted tomato soup topped with feta cheese and basil leaves in a white bowl, grilled cheese sandwich dipped into it and more grilled cheese sandwiches behind it.
      Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
    • Turkish chicken dish with a tomato sauce served in a bowl and a fork inside it.
      Tavuk Sote - Turkish Chicken Sauté
    • Chicken doner wraps on a wooden board, pickled, French fries, tomato and onion slices on the side.
      Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner)
    • Baked chicken wings on a rack.
      Baking Powder Chicken Wings Baked In The Oven

    Footer

    ABOUT

    • About Us

    POLICIES

    • Privacy Policy

    LET'S CONNECT!

    • Contact
    • Subscribe

    All content, recipes and photographs are copyrighted and the property of Give Recipe. They may not be republished in part or whole without proper credit and permission.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2025 GIVE RECIPE

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Privacy PolicyACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and parsley in a white bowl.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.