Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken with a creamy, tangy tzatziki dressing. Packed with crisp vegetables and herbs, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, meal prep, or a refreshing summer dinner. Serve it on its own, in a pita, or over greens for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and healthy – Packed with lean protein, crisp veggies, and a yogurt-based dressing.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Bursting with Mediterranean flavors – Garlic, lemon, dill, and cucumber create a delicious combination.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
- Versatile serving options – Enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or over greens.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
For the Tzatziki Dressing
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber (grated and drained)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill (chopped)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Salad
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Cucumber (diced)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Kalamata olives (sliced)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear: Cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
- Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing
- Grate and drain the cucumber to remove excess water.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
- Add the cooked chicken and drizzle with tzatziki dressing. Toss to coat.
Step 4: Serve
- Enjoy on its own as a hearty salad.
- Serve in pita bread for a delicious wrap.
- Pair with greens or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken marinade.
- Vegan Option: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and dairy-free yogurt.
- Extra Crunch: Add bell peppers or toasted pine nuts.
- Herb Boost: Mix in fresh mint or parsley for extra freshness.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken separately or enjoy it cold.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier.
What’s the best yogurt for tzatziki?
Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Store the salad and dressing separately, then combine before serving.
What goes well with this salad?
Serve with pita bread, hummus, or a side of quinoa.
How do I keep the cucumber from making the dressing watery?
Squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber before mixing.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky depth to the flavor.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Skip the pita and keep the salad as is for a low-carb meal.
What’s a good substitute for feta?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, but use only half the amount since dried dill is more concentrated.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and omit the feta.
Conclusion
Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean dish that’s easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether served on its own, in a pita, or over greens, this meal is a delicious way to enjoy bright, zesty flavors with minimal effort. Try it today for a fresh and healthy meal option!
PrintMediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Juicy chicken is tossed with a creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Serve it in a pita, on a bed of greens, or as a sandwich for a light and delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (grilled, rotisserie, or baked)
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Make the Tzatziki Dressing
- In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
2. Prepare the Chicken Salad
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
- Pour the tzatziki dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
3. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a pita, as a wrap, or with crackers.
Notes
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and omit feta.
- For extra crunch, add chopped bell peppers or toasted almonds.
- Want it heartier? Serve with quinoa, couscous, or brown rice.
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