Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed dish that combines juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp vegetables, and Mediterranean herbs. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep, offering a delicious balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Protein-Rich: Packed with lean chicken and Greek yogurt-based tzatziki.
- Light and Refreshing: The cucumber, lemon, and herbs make this salad incredibly fresh.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Serve as a salad, in wraps, or stuffed in pita bread.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Salad:
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- Cucumber (diced)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Kalamata olives (sliced)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber (grated and drained)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing
- Grate and Drain Cucumber:
- Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess water, and place it in a bowl.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice or shred the cooked chicken and place it in a large bowl.
- Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta.
- Combine with Dressing:
- Pour the tzatziki dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Serve
- Garnish with extra herbs and serve chilled.
- Enjoy on its own, in a wrap, or stuffed in pita bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Chicken Option: Use freshly grilled chicken for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use dairy-free yogurt.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds or walnuts.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce instead of in a wrap.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- No Reheating Needed: Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the yogurt-based dressing.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great time-saving option.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Drain the cucumber well before adding it to the tzatziki dressing.
What’s the best yogurt for tzatziki?
Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the creamiest texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors get even better after chilling for a few hours.
What pairs well with this salad?
Pita bread, hummus, or a Mediterranean quinoa salad.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but the dressing will be thinner.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut or almond yogurt and omit the feta cheese.
What herbs work best in tzatziki?
Dill is classic, but parsley or mint also work well.
Can I add avocado?
Yes! It adds creaminess and extra healthy fats.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the tomatoes and use full-fat yogurt.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for a healthy meal. With its bright flavors and simple ingredients, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it today for an easy, nutritious, and delicious meal!
Print
Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad, Main Course, Meal Prep
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a creamy tzatziki dressing made with Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Serve it in a wrap, on a salad, or as a sandwich!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Mix-ins (Optional, But Recommended!):
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If using raw chicken, season it with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
- Let cool, then shred or dice the chicken. (Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken!)
2. Make the Tzatziki Dressing:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta (if using).
- Pour the tzatziki dressing over the top and mix until well coated.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy in a lettuce wrap, pita, sandwich, or on its own as a salad.
Notes
- Make it extra creamy: Add 1 tbsp mayonnaise for a richer texture.
- Want more crunch? Toss in chopped bell peppers or sliced almonds.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.