Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines creamy Greek yogurt with tender shredded chicken and fresh Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or an easy dinner option that feels both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded chicken (fresh, rotisserie, or leftover)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are fully blended, tasting and adjusting lemon and seasoning as needed.
2. Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and parsley to the tzatziki base. Gently fold everything together to evenly coat the chicken and distribute the mix-ins.
3. Step 3: Taste the salad once more and adjust the seasoning if desired, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to your liking.
4. Step 4: For best flavor, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be served immediately if you prefer.

Tips & Variations

• Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the shredded cucumber to keep the salad creamy rather than watery.
• Substitute garlic powder with fresh grated garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option without sacrificing taste.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh mint for a cool, aromatic twist.
• Serve on a bed of greens, with pita bread, or stuffed into a sandwich for a versatile meal.

Storage

Store the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the salad is best enjoyed within this time frame for freshness. When ready to eat, give it a gentle stir and serve chilled or at room temperature. Do not freeze, as the yogurt base may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Regular yogurt can be used, but Greek yogurt is recommended for its thicker texture and creaminess, which helps the salad hold together better.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded cucumber before mixing it into the salad. This step is key to keeping the dish creamy and preventing it from getting watery.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining creamy Greek yogurt-based tzatziki with shredded chicken, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and bold Kalamata olives. Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon juice, this salad offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors with satisfying textures, ideal for a light lunch, side dish, or healthy meal prep option.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tzatziki Base

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus extra to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Salad Mix-Ins

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water thoroughly), lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended. Taste and adjust the lemon juice or seasoning to your liking for a balanced tangy and herby flavor.
2. Add the Chicken and Mix-Ins: Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley to the tzatziki base. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a colorful and flavorful salad.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the salad a final taste and add any additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed. You can add more feta for extra creaminess or more lemon juice for a brighter tang depending on your preference.
4. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, the salad is delicious served immediately if you prefer.

Notes

• Squeeze out the cucumber’s excess water thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
• Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for best texture and flavor.
• Feel free to substitute fresh grated garlic for garlic powder if you want a stronger garlic taste.
• Chilling the salad enhances the flavors but is optional.
• This salad pairs well with pita bread, on a bed of greens, or as a filling for wraps.

Keywords: Tzatziki Chicken Salad, Greek yogurt salad, Mediterranean chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, no-cook salad recipe