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
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.
Yes! Marinated Greek chicken with oregano and lemon works perfectly and adds extra Mediterranean flavor to the salad.
Absolutely. It’s protein-packed from chicken, loaded with fresh vegetables, contains probiotics from yogurt, and uses heart-healthy olive oil as a dressing.
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
Ingredients For Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Protein:Vegetables and Aromatics:Dressing and Herbs: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:Cooking Advice For Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Flavorful Twists For Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Perfect Food Matches For Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Tips To Keep Tzatziki Chicken Salad Fresh
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Drizzle the chilled tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients, gently folding to ensure each component is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- 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.
- 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
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.