Refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe: A Cool Summer Delight

Cool Mediterranean breezes inspired this tzatziki chicken salad that brings sunny flavors right to your plate.

Crisp cucumbers and tender chicken create a perfect summer harmony.

Creamy yogurt blends with fresh herbs for a refreshing twist.

Greek-style ingredients dance together in every delightful bite.

Tangy dill and zesty garlic make this dish sing with authentic flavor.

Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, you’ll want seconds.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through classic Mediterranean cuisine.

Let’s whip up something spectacular that makes lunch feel like a vacation.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Ingredient List

• Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked chicken perfect for quick salads.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that gives the salad its tzatziki character.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that adds cool crunch to the salad.

• Fresh Dill, Garlic: Bright herbs and spices that enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to balance the dish.

• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable that provides extra texture and bite.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy citrus that brightens the entire salad.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Simple Mixing Instructions

Step 1: Squeeze Out Cucumber Moisture

Grab a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and place the grated cucumber inside. Gently press and squeeze to remove all excess water, ensuring your tzatziki sauce stays thick and creamy.

Step 2: Craft the Tzatziki Base

• Grated cucumber
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are smoothly blended, creating a vibrant and tangy sauce.

Step 3: Shred and Mix Chicken

Take the rotisserie chicken and pull it apart into small, tender pieces. Add the shredded chicken and finely diced red onion to the tzatziki mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every morsel is generously coated with the zesty sauce.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

• Stuffed inside warm pita bread
• Spread over crisp lettuce leaves
• Paired with crunchy crackers

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate and savor within three days for the freshest taste and texture.

Chicken Salad Tips with Tzatziki Twist

• Squeeze Out Moisture: Use a paper towel or tea towel to remove excess water from grated cucumber, ensuring a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce without watery consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the tzatziki mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before adding chicken to allow garlic and herbs to fully develop their aromatic qualities.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select a rotisserie chicken from a reputable deli or freshly roast your own for better taste and texture in the salad.
• Adjust Seasoning Smartly: Taste the tzatziki sauce before adding chicken and modify salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
• Serve Creatively: Transform this salad into a wrap, stuff it in pita pockets, or use as a protein-packed topping for crisp garden salads for versatile meal options.

Chicken Salad With Tzatziki Store It For Later

• Seal the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent air exposure and minimize moisture buildup.
• Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, understanding that the texture might slightly change upon thawing due to yogurt's separation.
• Thaw frozen salad overnight in the refrigerator, then stir thoroughly to recombine ingredients. Avoid microwaving to prevent yogurt from breaking down, instead letting it come to room temperature naturally.
• If the salad seems dry after storage, refresh it by adding a small dollop of Greek yogurt and re-mixing to restore its creamy consistency.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Side Pairings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the tzatziki chicken salad's tangy and creamy profile with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the herbal dill notes and cut through the richness.
• Serve with Mediterranean Sides: Create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal by adding warm pita bread, hummus, kalamata olives, and a light Greek salad to balance the chicken salad's cool and zesty flavors.
• Match with Cucumber-Mint Mocktail: Craft a non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the salad's cucumber elements by blending fresh cucumber, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a touch of lime for a hydrating and complementary drink.
• Garnish with Crunchy Accompaniments: Add texture to the dish by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or serving with crisp cucumber slices and whole-grain crackers, which will provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy tzatziki chicken.

Refreshing Twists on Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Vegan Tzatziki Delight: Replace rotisserie chicken with crumbled firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative. Use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt made from coconut or almond milk.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Wrap: Swap pita bread with large lettuce leaves or cucumber rounds. Use grilled chicken breast instead of rotisserie for controlled protein intake.
• Gluten-Free Greek Bowl: Serve the chicken salad over quinoa or cauliflower rice. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the yogurt and any additional seasonings.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce. Include chopped harissa or sprinkle za'atar spice blend for extra heat and authentic Middle Eastern flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients make tzatziki sauce unique?

Greek yogurt provides a tangy base, cucumber adds freshness, garlic brings depth, and dill contributes a herbaceous flavor that sets tzatziki apart from other creamy sauces.

• Is tzatziki chicken salad healthy?

Yes, it’s relatively healthy. The dish is protein-rich from chicken, contains probiotics from Greek yogurt, and includes fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option with low calories and high nutritional value.

• Can I use Greek yogurt alternatives?

While Greek yogurt is traditional, you can substitute with strained plain yogurt or lactose-free yogurt. However, Greek yogurt provides the best thickness and tanginess for authentic tzatziki flavor.

• How can I enhance the flavor of tzatziki chicken salad?

Add extra herbs like mint or parsley, include chopped cucumber for crunch, sprinkle feta cheese, or drizzle a small amount of olive oil to boost the Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Chicken Salad with Tzatziki for a Cool, Crisp Twist

• Effortless Prep: Whip up this tzatziki chicken salad with minimal kitchen skills, using simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that anyone can master.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy multiple ways – stuffed in pita, atop crisp lettuce, or paired with crunchy crackers, making it perfect for lunch, picnics, or quick weeknight meals.
• Nutrition Packed: Combine lean protein from rotisserie chicken with probiotic-rich Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, creating a healthier alternative to traditional mayo-based salads.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Assemble this crowd-winning dish in mere minutes, ideal for unexpected guests or when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired Tzatziki Chicken Salad delivers cool Mediterranean flavors with creamy yogurt dressing and tender grilled chicken. Summer lunch perfection awaits when cool cucumber and herbed yogurt meet succulent chicken in this refreshing Greek classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cooked rotisserie chicken
• 1 medium cucumber, finely grated
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) plain Greek yogurt

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 red onion, diced

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Instructions

1. Squeeze out excess moisture from grated cucumber using a paper towel, ensuring a crisp and non-watery texture for the tzatziki base.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, freshly chopped dill, zesty lemon juice, aromatic minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Carefully shred the rotisserie chicken into delicate, uniform pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain.
4. Fold the shredded chicken and finely diced red onion into the creamy tzatziki mixture, gently coating each ingredient for maximum flavor distribution.
5. For serving, layer the tzatziki chicken salad on warm, soft pita bread, create a vibrant bed of crisp lettuce, or pair with crunchy crackers for added texture.
6. Transfer any remaining salad to an airtight container and refrigerate, consuming within three days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Notes

• Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki, ensuring a thick and creamy texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Customize protein by using grilled chicken breast, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding chopped fresh mint or oregano alongside dill, creating a more vibrant Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Make ahead and let salad rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more integrated taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg