A refreshing and flavorful salad combining tender chicken with creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is packed with fresh ingredients, protein, and a tangy yogurt dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein and packed with fresh vegetables.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Light & Refreshing: The tzatziki dressing keeps it creamy without being heavy.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like feta, avocado, or chickpeas to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and makes a great grab-and-go meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Avocado slices
- Chickpeas
- Mixed greens (like spinach or arugula)
Directions
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice or vinegar for extra tanginess if desired. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), dill, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle the tzatziki dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle to maintain the texture of the ingredients.
- If adding optional ingredients like feta cheese, avocado slices, or chickpeas, fold them in at this stage.
3. Serve:
- Serve the salad as-is for a hearty main dish, or over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
- For a portable meal, wrap the salad in whole-grain pita bread or stuff it into lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for the dressing.
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted almonds or sunflower seeds on top.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh mint or basil instead of dill for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the yogurt-based dressing may separate.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker and easier.
What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with pita bread, quinoa, or a side of roasted vegetables.
How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber before mixing it into the dressing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store everything separately and mix just before serving.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs. Skip the tomatoes and onions for an even lower-carb version.
Can I add grains to this salad?
Yes, try adding quinoa, farro, or couscous for extra heartiness.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought tzatziki saves time and works well.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?
Grilled, baked, or poached chicken works great. Use what you prefer!
Is this salad good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s high in protein, low in calories, and packed with fresh veggies.
Can I use different herbs?
Yes, fresh mint or chives are great alternatives to dill and parsley.
Conclusion
Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With its creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, and flavorful chicken, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Try it today for a delicious meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious!
Print
Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
zatziki Chicken Salad—a refreshing, protein-packed dish featuring tender chicken, creamy tzatziki dressing, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Perfect for a light, healthy meal!
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Tzatziki Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber (excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Avocado slices
- Chickpeas
- Mixed greens (like spinach or arugula)
Instructions
Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust acidity if needed.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), dill, and parsley.
- Drizzle the tzatziki dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Fold in optional add-ins like feta cheese or chickpeas.
Serve:
- Enjoy as-is, over mixed greens, or wrapped in whole-grain pita.
- For a low-carb option, serve in lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Healthy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
