Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or 1 teaspoon fresh dill (chopped); 1/2 cucumber (grated and excess water squeezed out); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons red onion (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); Optional: crumbled feta cheese or kalamata olives for garnish

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If you’re craving something incredibly fresh, creamy, and light with a pop of Mediterranean flavor, Tzatziki Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s everything you love about classic chicken salad, but with a tangy yogurt twist and herbal zip. Imagine juicy chicken smothered in a cool tzatziki-inspired dressing, with crisp cucumbers, herby dill, a squeeze of lemon, and just enough garlic to keep things lively. Whether you pile it onto pita, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or enjoy it by the spoonful straight from the fridge, this is a chicken salad that will instantly transport your tastebuds to the sunny shores of Greece.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tzatziki Chicken Salad is how it takes just a handful of simple staples and transforms them into something vibrant and special. Each ingredient plays an important role in the overall flavor and texture, so don’t skip the fresh herbs and don’t be shy with that creamy Greek yogurt!

Cooked chicken breast: Opt for shredded or chopped cooked chicken – rotisserie works wonders for speed and added flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt: This creamy base gives the salad its signature tang and luscious texture, while keeping it light.
Olive oil: Adds a luxurious mouthfeel and helps smooth out the yogurt dressing.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and brings the zing that makes tzatziki so irresistible.
Garlic: Just a clove, minced finely, is plenty to give a savory kick without overpowering.
Dill: Use either dried or fresh, but don’t skip it – it’s essential for classic tzatziki flavor.
Cucumber: Grated and well-drained, cucumber brings cool crunch and that refreshing bite.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and brings out the best in both the chicken and dressing.
Black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle touch of heat.
Red onion: Finely chopped so it weaves through the salad, giving brightness and color.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley gives bursts of green freshness in every bite.
Optional crumbled feta cheese or Kalamata olives: Both make savory garnishes that take this salad over the top.

How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mix the Tzatziki Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper. Take a minute to whisk it all together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy – this is your foundation for the whole salad, and the more thoroughly it’s blended, the better the texture and flavor will be in every forkful.

Step 2: Add the Cucumber, Onion, and Parsley

Now it’s time for the veggies and herbs! Fold in the grated cucumber (make sure you’ve squeezed out as much water as possible), plus the red onion and fresh parsley. This step brings loads of freshness, crunch, and vibrant color into the salad. You’ll notice the dressing instantly brightens up with all the greens and purples.

Step 3: Stir in the Chicken

Add your cooked chicken breast to the bowl, and gently mix until every piece is evenly coated in the tzatziki dressing. I like to use a spatula here – it’s gentle, so nothing gets mushy, and you can really make sure the chicken gets a nice, even coating of all that tangy, herby goodness.

Step 4: Adjust and Chill

Give your Tzatziki Chicken Salad a taste. Want an extra punch? Add a splash more lemon juice, or a pinch more salt and pepper. Once it’s just right, pop the salad in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is key, as it gives the flavors time to meld and the salad to firm up perfectly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to eat, give the salad a quick stir. Spoon it onto a bed of greens, tuck it into a pita, or simply dish out generous scoops for everyone to dig in. Top with crumbled feta or a few sliced Kalamata olives for that final Mediterranean flourish – it’s going to disappear fast!

How to Serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is delightful as-is, but garnishing adds color and a salty, tangy flair. Sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese for creaminess, or scatter a handful of sliced Kalamata olives for a savory finish. A little extra fresh parsley or dill right before serving looks gorgeous and adds a lovely burst of green.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crisp vegetable sticks, fluffy pita, or a handful of crunchy pita chips. If you’re going for a full meal, serve it alongside Greek lemon potatoes, or a light tomato-cucumber salad for an explosion of texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Spoon your Tzatziki Chicken Salad into pretty lettuce cups for handheld bites, or stuff it into a hollowed-out tomato for a wow-worthy lunch. It also makes a killer wrap or filling in a warm pita pocket with cucumber ribbons and greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to two days, which means you can enjoy it for lunches or quick afternoon nibbles.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this is one salad that’s not freezer-friendly. Yogurt-based dressings tend to separate and turn grainy after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy Tzatziki Chicken Salad fresh or refrigerated for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this dish is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it! In fact, keeping it chilled makes it extra refreshing, especially on a hot day.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Tzatziki Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and often adds a little extra flavor. Just remove the skin and bones, chop or shred the meat, and use it as you would regular cooked chicken breast.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt?

Yes! Simply substitute with a thick, plain non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond-based). Make sure it’s unsweetened and plain so the salad maintains its savory, tangy profile.

What’s the best way to prepare the cucumber?

Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater, then use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This keeps your Tzatziki Chicken Salad creamy, not watery.

Can I make this salad in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! This salad is at its best when given at least 30 minutes to chill, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Perfect for making lunches ahead of a busy week.

What are some low-carb serving options?

The salad itself is very low-carb, and you can serve it in lettuce wraps, over a bowl of mixed greens, or stuffed into hollowed-out bell peppers. All are healthy, colorful, and satisfying ways to keep things light and nutritious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is vibrant, Tzatziki Chicken Salad is sure to win you over with its meld of creamy, zesty, herby flavors. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and just plain fun to eat. Give it a try—your lunch (or dinner) routine might never be the same!

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Packed with herbs and spices, this salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried dill or 1 teaspoon fresh dill (chopped)
1/2 cucumber (grated and excess water squeezed out)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons red onion (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Optional: crumbled feta cheese or kalamata olives for garnish

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Stir in the grated cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
Add the cooked chicken and mix until evenly coated with the tzatziki dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve on its own, in a lettuce wrap, pita, or over a bed of greens.