Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing

  1. Grate and drain the cucumber to remove excess water.
  2. 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

  1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
  2. Add the cooked chicken and drizzle with tzatziki dressing. Toss to coat.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Enjoy on its own as a hearty salad.
  2. Serve in pita bread for a delicious wrap.
  3. 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

Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

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!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

2. Prepare the Chicken Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
  2. Pour the tzatziki dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.

3. Serve & Enjoy!

  1. 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.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *