Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad combines creamy Greek yogurt and fresh herbs with tender shredded chicken for a light, flavorful dish. Brightened with cucumber, lemon, and savory olives, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a show-stopping side. This salad is easy to make and endlessly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh grated garlic)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 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 bowl, combine Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (well drained), lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as preferred.
2. Step 2: Add shredded chicken, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and parsley to the tzatziki base. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated and distributed.
3. Step 3: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
4. Step 4: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Squeeze out excess cucumber moisture thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
• Substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder for a stronger garlicky flavor.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavorful shortcut.
• Add chopped fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
• Serve over greens or in pita pockets for a complete meal.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. If it thickens too much, you can loosen it with a small amount of water or additional yogurt. This salad is best eaten chilled but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick texture and tanginess, which give the salad its creamy base. Regular yogurt can be used but may make the salad thinner; drain any excess liquid if needed.

Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?

Chilling is recommended to let the flavors meld and develop fully, but the salad is delicious immediately after mixing if you’re short on time.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

This vibrant Tzatziki Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy Greek yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumbers, herbs, olives, and tangy feta cheese. Perfectly balanced with citrus and garlic, it’s a refreshing, healthy salad ideal for lunch, light dinners, or as a Mediterranean-inspired side.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 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
• 1/2 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salad Mix-Ins

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked)
• 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. Prepare the Tzatziki Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (make sure to squeeze out all excess water), lemon juice, chopped dill, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust lemon juice and seasoning as needed to achieve a bright, balanced tangy flavor.
2. Add the Chicken and Mix-Ins: Add the shredded chicken to the tzatziki base along with the finely chopped red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Gently fold together to evenly coat the chicken with the creamy mix and distribute all the flavorful additions throughout the salad.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the salad and adjust flavors to your liking. You can add more lemon juice for extra zing, a pinch more salt, or additional black pepper. If desired, add more crumbled feta for creaminess and tanginess.
4. Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. However, it can be served immediately if you’re eager to eat.

Notes

• Be sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the shredded cucumber to keep the salad creamy and prevent it from becoming watery.
• Use good quality Greek yogurt for the best texture and tang.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, substitute the garlic powder with freshly grated garlic.
• This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Serve with pita bread, on a bed of greens, or stuffed in a wrap for versatile meal options.

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