Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board with Feta Dip
This Mediterranean-inspired grazing board is perfect for entertaining or a casual family meal. Tender, flavorful chicken souvlaki is paired with a creamy, zesty feta dip and a colorful spread of vegetables, olives, and pita or flatbreads. Bright lemon, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic bring out the signature Greek flavors, while the dipping sauce adds richness and creaminess. It’s versatile, shareable, and visually stunning.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes (for chicken)
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
2 lbs shrimp (or replace with bite-sized chicken pieces for classic souvlaki)
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Feta Dip
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3–4 tsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
1 tbsp minced celery
2 tbsp minced red onion
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Board
Pita bread or flatbreads, sliced
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, or roasted vegetables
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Marinate the shrimp or chicken: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the feta dip: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, dill, chives, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until serving.
Cook the protein: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. For chicken, cook 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Prepare the grazing board: Arrange pita slices, fresh vegetables, olives, and roasted vegetables on a large platter.
Add the protein: Place cooked shrimp or chicken on the board, either whole or skewered for presentation.
Add feta dip: Spoon the dip into a small bowl and place on the board.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the board and add lemon wedges.
Serve: Let everyone assemble their own bites, dipping protein and vegetables into the feta sauce.
Optional extras: Add small bowls of hummus, tzatziki, or other Mediterranean spreads.
Final touch: Drizzle extra lemon juice or olive oil over vegetables for added brightness.
Tips
Marinate shrimp or chicken briefly; too long can make shrimp rubbery.
Use fresh dill for a brighter, more aromatic dip.
Rinse and pat dry vegetables for a crisp grazing board.
Serve pita warm or toasted for better texture.
Adjust lemon and Dijon in the dip to taste for tanginess.
Arrange items in groups for visual appeal.
Keep smaller items like olives in bowls to prevent rolling around.
Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for variety.
Chill the dip slightly for best flavor.
Use skewers for chicken or shrimp for easy handling and presentation.
Variations
Vegan: Swap shrimp/chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the marinade.
Cheese Variations: Add crumbled feta or halloumi cubes on the board.
Grilled Veggies: Include eggplant, zucchini, or red peppers for Mediterranean flair.
Mediterranean Fruit: Add grapes or sliced figs for a sweet contrast.
Low-Fat Dip: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Herb Twist: Add fresh mint or oregano to the feta dip.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the dip.
Mini Wraps: Assemble mini pita wraps with protein, veggies, and dip.
Seafood Mix: Use a combination of shrimp and scallops or calamari.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare vegetables and dip ahead; cook shrimp or chicken just before serving.
Can I use store-bought hummus instead of feta dip?
Yes, it works, but the feta dip gives a signature Mediterranean flavor.
Can I grill the protein instead of pan-frying?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita or flatbreads.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and omit feta cheese.
How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook on medium-high heat just until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs give a brighter flavor.
Can I prepare as individual plates instead of a board?
Yes, serve as plated appetizers with dip on the side.
Can I include other dips?
Tzatziki, hummus, or roasted red pepper dip are great additions.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Protein and dip can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days; assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings)
Calories: 350–400
Protein: 28–32 g
Fat: 18–20 g
Carbs: 18–22 g
Fiber: 3–5 g
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grazing Board with Feta Dip is vibrant, fresh, and perfect for sharing. The combination of tender shrimp or chicken, creamy and zesty dip, and colorful vegetables makes it both flavorful and visually appealing. It’s a versatile recipe suitable for casual meals, entertaining, or special occasions, and can be customized to suit dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients.