Tzatziki Chicken Salad: Discover a Refreshing Delight

Bright, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with a luscious tzatziki dressing, crisp vegetables, and optional add-ins like feta, olives, and avocado for a versatile, satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a light summer salad or a protein-packed lunch, this salad delivers bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and refreshing: Perfectly balanced flavors with cucumber, dill, and lemon.
• High in protein: Rotisserie chicken provides a quick and filling protein source.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep time.
• Customizable: Add olives, avocado, feta, or cherry tomatoes to your liking.
• Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge and tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – Tender, flavorful, and ready to go.
• 1 medium cucumber, grated – Adds crunch and freshness; squeeze out excess moisture.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat) – Forms the creamy tzatziki base.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped – Provides classic Mediterranean flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed – Brightens the salad with acidity.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasoning.

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ small red onion, diced – Adds sharpness and crunch.
• Cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds sweetness and color.
• Feta cheese, crumbled – Creamy, tangy finish.
• Olives, sliced (Kalamata or green) – Adds briny Mediterranean flavor.
• Avocado, diced – Rich and buttery texture.
• Spinach or mixed greens – Great for serving as a salad bowl.

How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Prepare the Chicken

If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step. If cooking chicken, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through, and shred once slightly cooled.

Make the Tzatziki Dressing

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery salad. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and creamy.

Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, add shredded chicken and pour the tzatziki dressing over it. Gently fold to coat the chicken evenly. Add diced red onion and any optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, or avocado, mixing carefully to combine.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled over greens or enjoy as-is for a refreshing, protein-packed meal.

Tips for Success

• Squeeze the cucumber: Prevents a watery salad.
• Chill time is key: Enhances flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
• Make ahead: Prepare a day in advance; keep tzatziki separate if desired to maintain freshness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh dill and lemon juice make a big flavor difference.

Variations

• Greek Chicken Bowl: Serve over quinoa or rice for a hearty lunch.
• Wrap it up: Roll in a whole wheat or gluten-free wrap with extra greens.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or harissa to the tzatziki.
• Veggie-loaded: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients.
• Keto-friendly: Skip the optional ingredients with higher carbs and serve over leafy greens.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm pita or flatbread on the side.
• Pair with a light Mediterranean soup or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish with extra dill, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of olive oil for presentation.
• Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or casual dinners.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly.
How long does it keep? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Can I freeze this salad? Freezing is not recommended; yogurt and fresh vegetables don’t hold up well.
Can I make it dairy-free? Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and skip feta.
Can I add grains? Yes, serve over quinoa, couscous, or rice for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, creamy, and satisfying meal that celebrates Mediterranean flavors. Quick to make, easy to customize, and refreshing on any table, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy tzatziki dressing, this salad is a healthy, flavorful delight that will quickly become a go-to recipe.

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