Tzatziki chicken salad is a light, flavorful, and protein-packed dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Featuring tender chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and crisp vegetables, it’s perfect as a main dish, sandwich filling, or topping for greens. This refreshing salad is ideal for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a healthy dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Healthy: Low in calories and high in protein, this dish is a nutritious choice.
- Refreshing Flavors: The creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and crunchy vegetables.
- Versatile: Serve it in a wrap, over greens, or with pita bread.
- Simple to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber, finely diced or grated
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, or Kalamata olives
Directions
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine with Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked chicken with the prepared tzatziki sauce until evenly coated.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in any additional ingredients like red onion, cherry tomatoes, or olives for added flavor and texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Chicken: Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh mint or parsley alongside dill for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki works as a time-saving option.
2. What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or baked chicken breasts all work well.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
4. How can I prevent the salad from becoming watery?
Squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber before adding it to the tzatziki sauce.
5. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, try turkey, shrimp, or even salmon for a delicious twist.
6. What pairs well with tzatziki chicken salad?
Serve with pita bread, quinoa, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
7. How can I make it keto-friendly?
Ensure the yogurt is low-carb and serve the salad over lettuce or in a lettuce wrap.
8. Can I add cheese to the salad?
Yes, crumbled feta cheese adds a wonderful tangy flavor.
9. How long should I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
If making fresh chicken, marinate it in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
10. Can I freeze this chicken salad?
It’s not recommended, as the yogurt and cucumber may separate and become watery after thawing.
Conclusion
Tzatziki chicken salad is a light, refreshing, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. With creamy tzatziki sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this salad is packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Whether you serve it in a wrap, on a bed of greens, or as a side, this recipe is sure to be a favorite for its simplicity and taste!
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish combining tender chicken with creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or serving over greens for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)
- 1 cucumber, diced (seeded if desired)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or parsley if preferred)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh oregano, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber:
- Using a box grater, grate the cucumber. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Prepare the Chicken Salad:
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, red onion, dill, olives (if using), and cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Add the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Pour the prepared tzatziki sauce over the chicken mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Salad: Serve on a bed of greens or spinach.
- In a Wrap: Use pita bread or tortillas for a portable meal.
- With Grains: Pair with quinoa, couscous, or rice for a heartier dish.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customize: Add feta cheese, avocado, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.