Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with a refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce. It’s a light, flavorful dish perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, bringing bright Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 medium cucumber, grated
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Olives, sliced (Kalamata or green work well) (optional)
• Avocado, diced (optional)
• Spinach or mixed greens for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If not using rotisserie chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through, then shred.
2. Step 2: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to form the tzatziki sauce.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and gently fold to coat evenly. Add the diced red onion and mix well.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
5. Step 5 (optional): Before serving, you can add halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, sliced olives, diced avocado, and serve over spinach or mixed greens for extra freshness and texture.

Tips & Variations

• To prevent watery salad, be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, richest flavor.
• Swap fresh dill with fresh mint for a different herbal note.
• Add chopped walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie to save time and customize seasoning.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh cucumbers and yogurt, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe. Gently stir before serving again. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, but avoid freezing as the texture will be affected.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Regular yogurt is thinner and less creamy than Greek yogurt, so the salad may be less thick and less rich. If using regular yogurt, consider straining it through a cheesecloth overnight to remove excess whey and improve texture.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 3 days for the best taste and freshness. Add any fresh toppings like avocado or greens just before serving to keep them crisp.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 99 reviews

A refreshing and creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad combining shredded rotisserie chicken with a homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. Enhanced with lemon juice and garlic, this salad is perfect served on its own or over a bed of greens for a light, flavorful meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 medium cucumber, grated
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Salad Mix-Ins (Optional)

• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olives, sliced (Kalamata or green)
• Avocado, diced
• Spinach or mixed greens for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken (if not using rotisserie): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with your preferred seasonings, bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked, and then shred the meat once cooled.
2. Make Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour the prepared tzatziki sauce over it. Gently fold to coat the chicken evenly without breaking the shredded pieces.
4. Add Additional Ingredients: Stir in the diced red onion and any optional ingredients you prefer, such as cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, olives, or diced avocado, to enhance flavor and texture.
5. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled either alone or over a bed of spinach or mixed greens.

Notes

• For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy texture in the tzatziki sauce.
• Removing excess moisture from the cucumber prevents the salad from becoming watery.
• Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables or toppings according to your preference.
• This salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor with minimal effort.

Keywords: Tzatziki chicken salad, Greek chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, Mediterranean chicken salad, creamy chicken salad