Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining creamy Greek yogurt with crisp vegetables and tender chicken, it offers a delicious Mediterranean twist that’s easy to prepare.

The image shows a bowl of tzatziki chicken salad with three main visible layers: a creamy mixture with white yogurt or sauce spread evenly over diced chicken pieces, chopped green lettuce, and sliced yellow peppers; scattered throughout are halved cherry tomatoes in red and whole small black olives, adding pops of color; the bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface, with a fork on the side and a small white bowl filled with more black olives nearby; behind the bowl is a wooden board holding two round, golden-brown flatbreads, slightly blurred, creating a warm and inviting background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Squeeze the water from the grated cucumber to remove excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, pressed garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese until everything is well coated.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately or chill for 20-30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
  • Swap dill for fresh mint or parsley to change up the herb profile.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Serve in pita pockets or over cooked quinoa for a hearty meal option.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors develop well after chilling but the lettuce may become softer, so consider adding the romaine just before serving if you want it crisp. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy tzatziki chicken salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has visible layers mixing pale creamy yogurt dressing with shredded white chicken, green leafy herbs, sliced black olives, small red cherry tomatoes, and pale yellow banana peppers. The textures are creamy and chunky with a variety of colors scattered evenly throughout the bowl. Behind the bowl, there are two pieces of golden-brown flatbread placed on a light wooden board, and to the right, a small white bowl contains several black olives. A silver fork rests on the left side next to the bowl, and there is a blue and white striped cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. For best texture, keep the dressing separate or add the romaine lettuce just before serving.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

While regular yogurt works, Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier consistency that holds the salad together better.

Print
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe


  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A refreshing and flavorful Tzatziki Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with a creamy Greek yogurt and cucumber dressing, mixed with fresh vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Tzatziki Dressing

  • 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a watery dressing.
  2. Mix the tzatziki dressing: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, pressed garlic, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate all ingredients.
  3. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  5. Serve: Serve chilled immediately or refrigerate for up to a few hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, ensure to squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly to avoid a watery dressing.
  • Use cooked chicken that is cooled to keep the salad refreshing.
  • Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for pungency.
  • This salad can be served as a light meal or as a Mediterranean side dish.
  • To make it more substantial, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Tzatziki, Chicken Salad, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Mediterranean Salad, Healthy Salad, Greek Chicken

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