Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe: A Tangy Summer Delight

Summers call for refreshing meals that cool and satisfy, and this tzatziki chicken salad recipe delivers pure Mediterranean magic.

The tangy blend of creamy yogurt and crisp vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Tender grilled chicken meets zesty cucumber and herbs in a light, bright combination that screams fresh and delicious.

Greek-inspired flavors dance across your plate, promising a lunch or dinner that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Each forkful brings a burst of bright, herbal notes balanced with protein-packed chicken and cool, smooth tzatziki.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend gatherings.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this vibrant, satisfying salad that transports you straight to the sunny coastlines of Greece.

FAQs

  • What makes tzatziki dressing different from other dressings?

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based sauce with grated cucumber, garlic, and herbs, giving it a refreshing, tangy flavor that’s lighter and more cooling than mayo-based dressings.

  • Can I use Greek chicken instead of regular cooked chicken?

Yes! Marinated Greek chicken with oregano and lemon works perfectly and adds extra Mediterranean flavor to the salad.

  • Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely. It’s protein-packed from chicken, loaded with fresh vegetables, contains probiotics from yogurt, and uses heart-healthy olive oil as a dressing.

  • How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa or couscous as a base, or serve it inside whole wheat pita bread to increase the protein and make it more substantial for a complete meal.

What Makes Tzatziki Chicken Salad Stand Out

  • Customize Your Flavor: Personalize the burritos with your favorite toppings, making each bite a unique culinary adventure.
  • Quick Meal Solution: Prepare these burritos in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings.
  • Protein-Packed Delight: Loaded with shredded chicken and black beans, these burritos offer a nutritious and satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.
  • Fresh and Zesty: Bright lime wedges and cilantro add a refreshing kick, transforming a simple burrito into a vibrant, restaurant-style experience.

Ingredients For Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that forms the base of the salad.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that adds richness and saltiness to the dish.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and vibrant flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Kalamata Olives: Briny Mediterranean olives that contribute a distinctive salty touch.
Dressing and Herbs:
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for the tzatziki dressing with a smooth texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, rich oil that helps blend the dressing ingredients.
  • Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide an herbal note and additional aroma.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

Step-By-Step Tzatziki Chicken Salad Instructions

Step-By-Step Tzatziki Chicken Salad Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, grab your Greek yogurt and start creating the dressing. Grate a fresh cucumber using a box grater, squeezing out excess moisture.

Add finely minced garlic, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Chop some fresh herbs like dill or parsley and sprinkle them in.

Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.

Pop the dressing into the refrigerator to chill and let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Prep Protein and Veggie Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and start building your salad foundation.

Toss in tender, shredded cooked chicken. Slice cherry tomatoes in half for a burst of color.

Dice cucumber into small, crisp cubes. Finely chop red onion for a zesty kick.

Add briny Kalamata olives for Mediterranean flair. Crumble tangy feta cheese over the top.

Sprinkle additional fresh herbs for extra aroma.

Step 3: Combine and Coat Salad

Pull out your chilled tzatziki dressing from the refrigerator.

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetable medley. Use a large spoon to gently toss and coat every ingredient with the dressing.

Ensure each bite will be packed with flavor and creamy goodness.

Step 4: Chill and Customize Serving

Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors develop and meld together. When ready to serve, you have multiple delicious options:
  • Enjoy as a standalone salad
  • Serve over a bed of crisp mixed greens
  • Stuff into warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-style wrap
  • Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta for added pizzazz

Cooking Advice For Tzatziki Chicken Salad

  • Squeeze out excess moisture from grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki dressing and maintain a thick, creamy consistency.
  • Use shredded or diced chicken breast for a tender, uniform bite that absorbs the tzatziki dressing perfectly.
  • Chop fresh dill or parsley just before adding to preserve maximum flavor and vibrant green color in the salad.
  • Add salt and pepper incrementally, tasting as you go to ensure balanced flavor without overpowering the delicate tzatziki sauce.
  • Store tzatziki dressing and salad components separately to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crisp texture until serving.

Flavorful Twists For Tzatziki Chicken Salad

  • Low-Carb Greek Salad: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a lighter protein option. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Vegan Mediterranean Bowl: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or marinated tempeh. Use plant-based yogurt for tzatziki and add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Increase healthy fats by adding more olive oil and using additional feta cheese. Remove onions and tomatoes to reduce carbohydrate content. Serve over mixed greens with extra cucumber.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate quinoa or lentils for additional protein. Mix in grilled salmon or turkey as alternative protein sources. Add sunflower seeds or pine nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

Perfect Food Matches For Tzatziki Chicken Salad

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the tangy tzatziki and cuts through the richness of feta cheese.
  • Serve with Rustic Greek Bread: Grab a warm, crusty sourdough or traditional pita to soak up the delicious tzatziki dressing and add textural contrast.
  • Complement with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Add a simple side of arugula with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the herb and citrus notes of the chicken salad.
  • Match with Refreshing Ouzo Spritzer: Create a light cocktail mixing ouzo with sparkling water and a lemon twist to mirror the bright, Mediterranean flavors of the dish.

Tips To Keep Tzatziki Chicken Salad Fresh

  • Store tzatziki chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Do not freeze this salad as cucumber and yogurt-based dressings separate and lose texture when thawed. Dairy and fresh vegetables become watery and unappetizing after freezing.
  • Best enjoyed cold. If needed, gently stir the salad to redistribute dressing before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy or losing their crisp texture.
  • Drain excess liquid before serving if salad becomes watery after refrigeration. Use a slotted spoon to serve and maintain the salad's ideal consistency.
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Greek-inspired Tzatziki Chicken Salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your plate, blending tangy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and tender chicken. Creamy and light, this dish delivers a perfect summer meal that lets you savor classic Greek flavors with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Vegetables and Fruits:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant tzatziki base by blending Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, smooth olive oil, and fragrant fresh herbs. Enhance with salt and pepper, then refrigerate to intensify flavors for 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine shredded roasted chicken with juicy halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber chunks, thinly sliced red onion, briny Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill or parsley.
  3. Drizzle the chilled tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients, gently folding to ensure each component is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 15-20 minutes, enabling the herbs and dressing to harmonize with the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Serve the chilled salad directly from the bowl, artfully arranged on a bed of mixed greens, or nestled inside warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki by squeezing grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel before mixing with yogurt.
  • Customize protein options by substituting chicken with grilled tofu, shredded lamb, or chickpeas for vegetarian and alternative diet preferences.
  • Select full-fat Greek yogurt for richer, creamier dressing texture and enhanced flavor profile compared to low-fat alternatives.
  • Enhance salad’s freshness by adding ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent early wilting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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