Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-483900H21M14S
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or grilled works great); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh dill or mint, finely chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and healthy? This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a game-changer! With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy tzatziki dressing, this dish is light yet hearty enough to keep you full. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even meal prep for the week. Trust me, it’s the perfect balance of creamy, fresh, and savory – and it comes together in no time!

Why You’ll Love Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a true winner. Here’s why it should be on your menu:

Light and Fresh: The crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and greens make this salad feel like a burst of freshness with every bite. The cool tzatziki sauce adds a lovely, creamy texture, without being too heavy.
Packed with Protein: The chicken in this salad gives you a solid dose of protein to keep you energized, while still feeling light and healthy.
Quick and Easy: This salad comes together quickly with minimal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious lunch that doesn’t take forever to make.
Full of Flavor: The homemade tzatziki dressing is packed with garlic, lemon, and herbs, adding a burst of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Versatile: You can enjoy this salad as a main dish or pair it with pita bread or a side of roasted veggies for a more filling meal. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Tzatziki Chicken Salad:

Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-packed chicken that’s tender and juicy. Grilled or roasted, it’s the star of the salad.

Tzatziki Sauce: Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs like dill, tzatziki sauce is the creamy dressing that brings everything together with its tangy and refreshing flavor.

Cucumber: Crisp, cool, and hydrating—cucumbers add crunch and freshness to this salad.

Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes provide a touch of sweetness and extra flavor to the salad.

Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the red onions in water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.

Mixed Greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, or lettuce gives a lovely base and adds some earthiness.

Olives: Kalamata olives bring a briny punch, complementing the creamy tzatziki and adding an extra layer of flavor.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole dish with a tangy kick.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Tzatziki Chicken Salad:

Cook the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (paprika or garlic powder works great). Grill or pan-cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is fully mixed. Adjust the seasonings to taste if you want a stronger garlic or lemon flavor.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Toss together gently.

Add the Chicken and Dressing

Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad. Drizzle the tzatziki dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then toss to combine everything.

Serve

Serve immediately, and enjoy the light, creamy, and fresh goodness of your Tzatziki Chicken Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This salad is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a few accompaniments for a complete meal:

With Pita Bread: Serve alongside warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
With Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted veggies (think roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers) to make this meal heartier.
On a Wrap: Take it up a notch by wrapping it in a soft tortilla for a portable, on-the-go meal.
Add Some Feta: Crumble some feta cheese on top of the salad for extra richness and a salty bite that complements the creamy tzatziki.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Tzatziki Chicken Salad even more amazing:

Meal Prep: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the chicken and tzatziki ahead of time, and store the salad components separately. Just assemble and dress when you’re ready to eat!
Substitute the Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it for grilled lamb or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies—roasted red peppers, shredded carrots, or even avocado would work beautifully in this salad.
Lighter Dressing Option: If you prefer a lighter version, use a lower-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce or add a splash of olive oil and vinegar to lighten the dressing up.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

A1: Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, a store-bought tzatziki sauce will work just fine. Just be sure to choose one that’s thick and creamy.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A2: You can prep the chicken and tzatziki sauce in advance. Just store the salad components separately and toss them together when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the tzatziki dressing separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Q4: Can I use other greens besides mixed greens?

A4: Absolutely! Arugula, spinach, or even romaine lettuce would make great alternatives. Use whatever greens you prefer.

Q5: Can I use grilled vegetables in this salad?

A5: Yes! Grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, would add great flavor and a smoky touch to the salad.

Q6: Can I make this salad with cooked chicken from the store?

A6: Definitely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken from the store to make this recipe even quicker.

Q7: Can I freeze this salad?

A7: It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, as the greens won’t hold up well in the freezer. However, you can freeze leftover cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately for later use.

Q8: How can I make this salad spicier?

A8: To give this salad a bit of heat, you can add some sliced jalapeños or drizzle a little hot sauce over the top.

Q9: Can I use non-dairy yogurt for the tzatziki?

A9: Yes! You can use non-dairy yogurt, such as coconut or almond milk yogurt, to make this dish dairy-free.

Q10: How do I make this salad more filling?

A10: To make this salad more filling, you can add quinoa, chickpeas, or even some roasted potatoes to bulk it up.

Conclusion

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and rich flavors, making it ideal for a quick meal or a healthy snack. With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy tzatziki dressing, every bite is packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Whether you’re looking for something light or need a filling meal, this salad will hit the spot. Enjoy the freshness and flavor—it’s a salad that’s anything but boring!