If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional chicken salad, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is just what you need. Combining the creamy, tangy flavors of tzatziki sauce with tender grilled chicken, this salad is light, healthy, and perfect for summer. Whether you’re serving it in lettuce wraps, over a bed of greens, or tucked into a sandwich, this chicken salad is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Tzatziki Chicken Salad
I’ve always loved the freshness of tzatziki, and incorporating it into a chicken salad just makes so much sense. The cool cucumber, tangy yogurt, and hint of garlic pair beautifully with grilled chicken, creating a flavorful dish that’s both light and satisfying. This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prepping, and it makes for a great lunch that feels indulgent without being heavy. I also love how versatile it is—you can serve it as a filling for wraps, on top of a salad, or even with some Earl Grey Cookies for a light yet complete meal.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this chicken salad is on a picnic, wrapped in soft pita bread alongside some crunchy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes – Carrots and Zucchini Recipe. The flavors are light and bright, making it ideal for warm weather.
Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Light and Refreshing: The creamy tzatziki sauce combined with fresh cucumbers and herbs makes this chicken salad feel fresh and vibrant.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
- Healthy and Delicious: Made with Greek yogurt, lean chicken, and plenty of veggies, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it as a wrap, in a sandwich, or even on top of a Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
Main Ingredients for Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken – I love using grilled chicken for this recipe because the smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the tzatziki. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Tzatziki Sauce – The heart of this recipe. Tzatziki is made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. It’s cool, creamy, and perfect for this salad.
- Cucumber – Adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the salad. Make sure to remove the seeds to keep the salad from getting too watery.
- Red Onion – For a bit of sharpness and crunch. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Fresh Herbs – Dill and parsley add brightness and flavor to the salad.
- Lemon Juice – A little squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Let’s walk through how to make this delicious and simple Tzatziki Chicken Salad.
- Grill the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juicy. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as leftover Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Stir until well mixed, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pro Tip: For a thicker tzatziki sauce, let the mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Mix the Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped grilled chicken, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs. Pour the tzatziki sauce over the top and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Variation: For added crunch and flavor, toss in some toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad in pita wraps, on top of mixed greens, or stuffed inside a crunchy lettuce wrap. You can even pair it with some Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes – Carrots and Zucchini Recipe or a light side of Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a complete meal.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added freshness. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Variation: You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist, similar to the Shrimp Salad with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes for a light and flavorful option.
- How to Store: Store the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep and only gets better as the flavors develop.
- How to Serve: Serve this salad on its own, or alongside other Mediterranean favorites like Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe or Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Health Benefits of Tzatziki Chicken Salad
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients that make it a healthy choice. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which promote gut health. The chicken adds lean protein, while the cucumber and herbs provide hydration, fiber, and essential vitamins. Lemon juice brings a boost of vitamin C, supporting your immune system.
- Low in Calories: This chicken salad is light yet filling, making it a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake. Each serving is around 300-350 calories.
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the chicken and Greek yogurt, this dish is high in protein, which is great for muscle recovery and keeping you full.
- Rich in Probiotics: The Greek yogurt base is full of probiotics that promote healthy digestion and support your immune system.
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