Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe: A Creamy, Refreshing, and Healthy Meal

Chicken salad lovers, get ready for a light, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a protein-packed snack. This Tzatziki Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken, crunchy cucumbers, and a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing with the fresh, herby taste of dill. It’s a healthy and refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and crisp vegetables in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal, a delicious sandwich filling, or a simple dish to enjoy on a hot day, this Mediterranean-inspired Tzatziki Chicken Salad is an absolute must-try. Plus, it’s super easy to make with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a cool, creamy chicken salad, especially when it’s packed with Mediterranean flavors. This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a lighter, healthier version of classic chicken salad, using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and fresh cucumber for extra crunch. The addition of dill, garlic, and red onion gives it a bright and refreshing taste, making it the perfect dish for warm-weather meals.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it on its own, in a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce, or stuffed into pita bread. No matter how you enjoy it, this protein-packed and flavor-loaded salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To make this delicious and healthy Tzatziki Chicken Salad, you’ll need the following:

Essential Ingredients

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached works best)
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 English cucumber, shredded and squeezed dry
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Dressing (Optional but Recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding the chicken if you haven’t already. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts by poaching them in water or broth until fully cooked, then shredding with a fork.

2. Shred and Drain the Cucumber

Using a box grater or food processor, shred the English cucumber. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery.

3. Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This creates the creamy, tangy base for the salad, packed with flavor.

4. Mix Everything Together

Add the shredded chicken, red onion, drained cucumber, and fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the yogurt dressing.

5. Chill & Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor to the salad.
Drain the Cucumber Well: Too much moisture can make the salad watery, so always squeeze out excess liquid.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper as needed.
Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavor.
Use Fresh Dill: Dried dill works in a pinch, but fresh dill gives the best flavor.

Cooking Tips

For an even better Tzatziki Chicken Salad, try these pro tips:

Extra Creamy Texture: Add a little more Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil for a richer consistency.
More Protein: Mix in chickpeas or diced hard-boiled eggs to boost protein content.
Crunch Factor: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

On Its Own: Serve chilled in a bowl for a light, protein-packed meal.
As a Sandwich: Pile it onto whole-grain bread, pita, or a toasted bagel for a delicious lunch.
In a Wrap: Use lettuce leaves or tortillas for a low-carb wrap.
With Crackers: Serve as a dip with whole-grain crackers or pita chips.
Stuffed in a Tomato: Hollow out a large tomato and fill it with the salad for a refreshing twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 290
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 8%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: The yogurt-based dressing doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to make it fresh.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the salad in advance for easy lunches or quick meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use another type of yogurt?
Yes! Full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat Greek yogurt all work. You can also use coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy-free version.

What if I don’t like dill?
Substitute it with fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro for a different flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt alternative and a touch of extra lemon juice for tanginess.

Can I use canned chicken?
While fresh or rotisserie chicken is best, canned chicken works in a pinch. Just drain and shred it well.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this Tzatziki Chicken Salad, check out these other delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipes:

Conclusion

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of day. With simple ingredients, high protein content, and a deliciously creamy texture, it’s a meal-prep-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Try it out today and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired, refreshing salad that’s as easy to make as it is to love! 🍽️🥒