Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re hungry for a dish that’s packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavor, lightened up with creamy Greek yogurt, and perfect for busy days, you’re going to fall in love with Tzatziki Chicken Salad. This recipe takes everything you adore about classic tzatziki—cool cucumbers, bright lemon, fresh herbs, and a gentle hit of garlic—and twirls it around juicy shredded chicken breast. Whether you pile it high in your favorite pita, nestle it in crisp lettuce wraps, or just grab a fork and dig in, this salad is a refreshing burst of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Tzatziki Chicken Salad is its simplicity: each ingredient brings something essential to the table, from tang and creaminess to crunch and color. Give these some love, and you’ll taste the difference in every bite!
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Offers lean protein and a satisfying bite, plus it’s a fantastic way to use leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Delivers creamy richness and a healthy boost of protein while keeping things light.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and smooth mouthfeel—always opt for extra virgin if you can.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings that bright zing and balances the creaminess of the yogurt.
- Finely diced cucumber (1/2 cup, peeled and seeded): Gives the salad a refreshing crunch and helps create that classic tzatziki magic.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Adds depth and a gentle aromatic kick without being overpowering.
- Chopped fresh dill (1 tablespoon): The secret to authentic Mediterranean flavor—don’t skip it if possible!
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Brightens things up visually and flavor-wise with a fresh, green note.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Provides color and a pop of just-sharp-enough bite.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into balance.
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes, or kalamata olives: These are fantastic finishing touches for extra flavor and flair—customize to your heart’s content!
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the Creamy Tzatziki Dressing
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk this mixture until it’s thoroughly combined and smooth. This lush dressing will soon be the flavor backbone of your chicken salad—and the herby, lemony aroma is absolutely irresistible!
Step 2: Add Crunch and Color
Fold in the finely diced cucumber and red onion. Mixing them in now ensures the cucumber stays super crisp and the red onion distributes its lively flavor throughout the salad. This step is where that signature fresh taste of Tzatziki Chicken Salad really comes to life.
Step 3: Mix in the Chicken
Next, add your cooked chicken to the bowl. Use two forks or a spatula to gently toss the chicken so it’s evenly coated in the creamy tzatziki dressing. Every piece should get that aromatic, herby hug so every forkful is bursting with flavor. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for best results.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Take a quick taste and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon. Feel free to add a splash of red wine vinegar for a touch—especially if you love things extra tangy! Adjust until it tastes perfect for you.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the flavors to really meld, cover your salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This little rest period allows all those herbs and aromatics to infuse the chicken with even more deliciousness. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good stir and serve however your heart desires!
How to Serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Turn your salad into a Mediterranean masterpiece with a few simple garnishes: a shower of crumbled feta adds saltiness and creaminess, bite-sized cherry tomato halves lend juicy color, or a handful of sliced kalamata olives gives a briny kick. Fresh dill or parsley can also be sprinkled on top for that just-plucked look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Tzatziki Chicken Salad loves company! Pair it with warm pita bread rounds, fluffy quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a crisp Greek side salad. Hummus, tabbouleh, or a handful of pita chips also make fabulous partners for scooping, dipping, or just soaking up every last bit of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
This salad isn’t just for bowls. Spoon it into lettuce leaves for elegant wraps, stuff it inside pita pockets, tuck generous scoops into bento boxes for meal prep, or serve it as a topper over leafy greens for a light main course. You could even make Tzatziki Chicken Salad sliders on tiny brioche buns for a fun party platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and become even more delicious after a night in the fridge—but don’t forget to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, since the yogurt-based dressing may separate or become watery after thawing, and cucumbers lose their crunch. For best results, enjoy your Tzatziki Chicken Salad fresh, or refrigerated for up to a few days only.
Reheating
No reheating required—Tzatziki Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge! If you do prefer it just slightly less chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and juicy texture, so feel free to swap them in if that’s your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can use your favorite plain non-dairy yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt for a delicious dairy-free version that still tastes wonderfully creamy.
What’s the best way to keep cucumbers crisp?
Peel, seed, and pat the cucumber dry with a paper towel before dicing; this removes excess moisture and keeps your salad fresh and crisp even on day two.
Is Tzatziki Chicken Salad low carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a smart, satisfying option for anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free eating plan.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully, and making a double batch means you’ll have quick, flavorful lunches or easy dinners ready to go all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s vibrant, nourishing, and a total crowd-pleaser, Tzatziki Chicken Salad is the answer. You’ll love how it comes together in minutes, and every forkful tastes like a Mediterranean holiday. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for any occasion—you seriously can’t go wrong with this one!
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber (peeled and seeded)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled feta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Fold in the cucumber and red onion.
- Add the cooked chicken and mix until evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve on its own, in pita bread, lettuce wraps, or over greens.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra tang, add a splash of red wine vinegar.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
