Refreshing Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

A homemade mediterranean delight tzatziki chicken salad brings coastal flavors dancing across your plate with unexpected zest.

Fresh ingredients create magic in every crisp bite.

Mediterranean herbs whisper stories of sunshine and relaxed dining experiences.

Tender chicken chunks nestle among cucumber fragments and creamy yogurt swirls.

Crisp vegetables add delightful texture that makes each forkful exciting.

Zingy dill and garlic hints promise a meal that feels like a quick culinary vacation.

You’ll want to savor every refreshing spoonful of this vibrant dish.

What to Use for Mediterranean Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the salad, perfect for grilling or using rotisserie.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that adds rich, salty flavor to the dish.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that creates the signature tangy and smooth tzatziki sauce.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that provides moisture and cool crunch to the dressing.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Dill: Herb that brings a light, fresh Mediterranean accent to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that adds zesty tang and helps balance the creamy yogurt.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds subtle acidic depth to the dressing.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy element that provides color and freshness.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable that introduces mild spicy undertones.
• Black Olives: Briny, rich Mediterranean accent that complements the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil for cooking and adding depth to flavors.
• Oregano: Earthy herb typical in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient seasoning for consistent flavor.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.

Instructions for a Flavor-Packed Tzatziki Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

• Drizzle chicken with olive oil
• Sprinkle seasonings
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Grill, bake, or pan-fry chicken until fully cooked at 165°F. Let cool and shred or dice. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly too!

Step 2: Whip Up Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Red wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Chopped dill
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble Salad

• Shredded chicken
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Diced red onion
• Sliced olives
• Crumbled feta cheese

Pour tzatziki sauce over ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Chill or serve at room temperature. Fantastic in lettuce wraps, pitas, sandwiches, or as a standalone salad.

Smart Tips for Creamy, Tangy Goodness

• Boost Chicken Moisture: Marinate chicken in olive oil and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Customize Tzatziki Texture: Drain grated cucumber thoroughly by squeezing with a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery dressing and maintain creamy consistency.
• Elevate Protein Options: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken for diverse dietary preferences and quick meal preparation.
• Freshness Preservation: Store salad separately from dressing and mix just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Temperature Magic: Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to help flavors meld and develop a more balanced taste profile.

How to Save and Serve This Salad Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow salad to reach room temperature before placing in the fridge to prevent condensation.
• Before storing, gently pat ingredients with paper towel to remove extra moisture and maintain salad's crisp texture.
• Warm slightly in microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of yogurt dressing.

Best Pairings for Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Select a light, refreshing Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the tangy tzatziki and cuts through the creamy yogurt, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
• Add a classic Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta to echo the salad's ingredients, creating a harmonious and balanced meal with additional freshness.
• Grill or toast soft pita rounds to provide a perfect vehicle for scooping up the chicken salad, adding a warm, comforting texture to the cool, creamy dish.
• Offer a small shot of traditional Greek anise-flavored aperitif to cleanse the palate and provide an authentic Mediterranean dining experience.

Different Takes on This Zesty Salad

• Vegan Tzatziki Salad: Replace chicken with crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas, using plant-based yogurt and adding extra protein-rich seeds.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap out tomatoes for low-carb cucumber chunks, increase healthy fats by adding avocado, and use full-fat Greek yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Bowl: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Greek Fusion: Add harissa paste to the tzatziki sauce, incorporate jalapeños, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Questions and Tips for Tzatziki Salad Lovers

• Is tzatziki sauce healthy?

Tzatziki is packed with protein from Greek yogurt, contains probiotics, and offers low-calorie nutrients from cucumber and herbs. It’s a nutritious, gut-friendly condiment with minimal fat.

• Can I make tzatziki chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they blend together over time.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

Besides chicken, you can substitute with grilled shrimp, canned tuna, or plant-based options like chickpeas or grilled tofu for a different protein source.

• How do I prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery?

Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel before mixing into the yogurt. This helps maintain a thick, creamy consistency for your dressing.

Why Tzatziki Chicken Salad Is a Refreshing Favorite

• Prepare the tzatziki dressing and chicken mixture ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep that saves precious evening time.
• Transform this dish into multiple meal formats- enjoy as a lettuce wrap, stuffed pita, sandwich filling, or standalone salad to keep dinners exciting and adaptable.
• Pack in lean protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, while adding fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and supports wellness goals.

Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine dances through this Tzatziki Chicken Salad, blending Greek flavors with fresh herb-kissed ingredients. Cool yogurt and tender chicken create a light, refreshing meal that whisks you to coastal tavernas with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken, shredded or diced

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried dill

Tzatziki and Dressing Components:

• 1 cup (237 ml) Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (118 ml) cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (118 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (59 ml) red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (59 ml) kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup (59 ml) feta cheese, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by massaging it with aromatic herbs and spices, ensuring full coverage with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken thoroughly using preferred method (grilling, baking, or pan-frying) until internal temperature reaches 165°F / 75°C.
3. Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly, then carefully shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. (Rotisserie chicken can be used as a time-saving alternative)
4. Create the signature tzatziki sauce by whisking Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, drizzling olive oil, and adding bright notes of lemon juice and red wine vinegar.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken with vibrant cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, briny olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
7. Generously pour the tzatziki dressing over the chicken mixture, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
8. Refrigerate briefly to allow flavors to meld or serve immediately at a comfortable temperature.
9. Enjoy this versatile dish nestled in crisp lettuce wraps, tucked inside warm pita bread, as a hearty sandwich filling, or simply savored as a refreshing standalone salad.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by marinating in olive oil, herbs, and spices for enhanced flavor and juiciness before cooking.
• Drain grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki sauce, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture.
• Customize the salad for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free yogurt, omitting feta, or using plant-based protein alternatives like grilled tofu or chickpeas.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness, mixing dressing and components just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg