Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines creamy Greek yogurt with tender chicken and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner option. This salad brings a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite.

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 cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover works well)
• 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 Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as desired.
2. Step 2: Add shredded chicken, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley to the tzatziki base. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated and well combined.
3. Step 3: Taste the salad again and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
4. Step 4: For best flavor, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be served immediately if you prefer.

Tips & Variations

• For a fresher garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with 1 small clove of grated fresh garlic.
• Use cucumber varieties like English or Persian for a crisp texture and milder taste.
• Add chopped mint for an extra herbaceous note.
• Serve over mixed greens or inside pita bread for a hearty meal.
• Leftover chicken can be used for a quicker prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Storage

Store the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but avoid freezing as yogurt-based salads may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, fresh grated garlic can be used for a stronger, more pungent garlic flavor. Start with a small amount, such as half a clove, and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a vibrant, creamy blend of shredded chicken, tangy Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, lemon juice, and Mediterranean flavors. Featuring feta, kalamata olives, fresh dill, and parsley, it’s a refreshing, healthy, and easy-to-make salad perfect for light lunches or as a flavorful side dish. With its bright, herbaceous tzatziki base and hearty chicken, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 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 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, adjust to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad Mix-ins

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• 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 Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (after squeezing out excess liquid), lemon juice, chopped dill, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended, tasting and adjusting lemon juice and seasoning as desired to achieve a fresh, tangy, and balanced flavor.
2. Add the Chicken and Mix-Ins: Add the shredded chicken, chopped red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley to the tzatziki base. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated and the salad appears colorful with cheese, olives, and herbs throughout.
3. Taste and Adjust: Give the salad a final taste test and adjust lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed for your preferred balance. Add more feta for creaminess or extra lemon for additional brightness if desired.
4. Chill (Optional): For best flavor development, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, though the salad is delightful served immediately if pressed for time.

Notes

• Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber to avoid a watery salad.
• Use good quality Greek yogurt and feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
• Serve on a bed of greens, with pita bread, or stuffed into pita pockets for a complete meal.

Keywords: Tzatziki Chicken Salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, Mediterranean chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, tzatziki dressing recipe, feta chicken salad