Quick & Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunch Joy

Mediterranean summers buzz with vibrant tzatziki chicken salad flavors that dance across taste buds.

Cool yogurt marinade wraps tender chicken pieces in creamy brightness.

Cucumber and dill bring refreshing crunch to every delightful bite.

Herbs whisper Mediterranean traditions through each carefully composed morsel.

Protein-packed ingredients promise satisfying wellness without compromising incredible taste.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this delectable dish in minutes.

Let this recipe transport you straight to a sunny Greek coastline.

Side Options to Round Out the Meal

• Complement the tzatziki chicken salad with a chilled Assyrtiko from Santorini, highlighting the tangy yogurt and refreshing cucumber notes with its crisp mineral undertones.
• Serve alongside a light Mediterranean herb salad with fresh dill, parsley, and mint, echoing the oregano and garlic flavors in the tzatziki sauce and adding vibrant green freshness.
• Offer warm, lightly toasted whole wheat pita bread as a perfect vehicle for scooping the chicken salad, providing a hearty texture contrast and complementing the zesty sauce.
• Top the salad with additional thinly sliced cucumber rounds or quick-pickled cucumber ribbons to enhance the refreshing cucumber profile and add a delightful crunch.

Salad Swaps and Flavor Boosters

• Greek-Style Vegan Alternative: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Use plant-based chicken substitute or grilled tofu for protein.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Swap traditional salad base with cauliflower rice or mixed greens. Replace regular chicken with grilled shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor and lower carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Herb Variation: Use gluten-free mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt. Add fresh dill or mint for extra herbaceous notes. Serve over cucumber slices or lettuce wraps for a light, refreshing meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Incorporate harissa paste or red pepper flakes into tzatziki sauce. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Sprinkle sumac or za'atar seasoning for authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Chicken Salad FAQs

• What is tzatziki sauce traditionally used for?

Tzatziki is a classic Greek sauce typically served as a dip for bread, vegetables, or as a condiment for grilled meats like souvlaki and gyros.

• Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is best because it’s thicker and creamier, but you can strain regular yogurt through a cheesecloth to achieve a similar consistency.

• How do I prevent the cucumber from making the sauce watery?

Grate the cucumber and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel or paper towels before mixing it into the yogurt sauce.

• Is this tzatziki sauce authentic to Greek cuisine?

While this recipe follows traditional tzatziki ingredients, home cooks often adapt the recipe slightly based on personal preference and available ingredients.

Why Tzatziki Chicken Salad Has a Fresh Take

• Pack in protein from chicken and probiotics from Greek yogurt while enjoying a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that's both nutritious and delicious.
• Enjoy as a sandwich filling, wrap, salad topping, or dip with pita chips- perfect for lunch, picnics, meal prep, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with a zesty tzatziki sauce that adds sophisticated Greek flavors without complicated cooking methods.

Ingredients That Work Well in Balance

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides tangy flavor and smooth texture for the tzatziki sauce.

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main component of the salad, best when grilled or roasted.

• Cucumber, Garlic, Lemon: Essential tzatziki sauce ingredients that add fresh, bright, and zesty notes.

• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Mediterranean herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Adds depth, richness, and subtle acidity to the sauce.

How to Toss the Chicken with Sauce Just Right

Prepare Creamy Cucumber Tzatziki Base

Grab a box grater and grate the cucumber into fine, delicate shreds

Wrap the cucumber shreds in a clean kitchen towel

Squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy tzatziki texture

Create Zesty Tzatziki Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined

Taste and adjust seasonings for a perfect flavor balance

Shred Tender Chicken

Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Use two forks to pull chicken apart into soft, stringy pieces

Alternatively, use a sharp knife to slice chicken into thin strips

Combine Chicken and Tzatziki

Place shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl

Pour prepared tzatziki sauce over chicken

Gently fold sauce into chicken until evenly coated

Ensure each chicken piece is generously dressed with creamy sauce

Chill and Serve

Cover bowl with plastic wrap

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld

Serve chilled on fresh lettuce leaves, in wraps, or with pita bread

Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra brightness

Tips for Texture and Chill Time

• Drain Cucumber Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture completely to prevent watery tzatziki sauce and maintain a thick, creamy consistency.
• Choose High-Protein Yogurt: Select full-fat Greek yogurt with higher protein content for richer flavor and better sauce texture.
• Balance Herb Freshness: Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant, authentic Mediterranean taste that elevates the chicken salad.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Adjust minced garlic quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to achieve desired flavor profile.
• Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for 30 minutes before mixing with chicken to allow herbs and garlic to meld and develop deeper taste.

Keep It Fresh in Storage

• Store leftover Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before serving refrigerated salad, gently stir and drain any accumulated liquid to keep the texture crisp and appetizing.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the yogurt and cucumber will separate and lose their creamy, smooth consistency when thawed.
• If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, mix in a small splash of olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt to restore its original creaminess.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Cool Mediterranean flavors dance through this tzatziki chicken salad, blending Greek yogurt’s tangy richness with tender grilled chicken. Crisp cucumber and fresh herbs create a light, refreshing meal that transports you to a sunny Greek island with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cucumber, diced (seeded if desired)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or parsley if preferred)
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh oregano, chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumber by using a box grater to shred it into fine strands, ensuring a uniform texture for the tzatziki sauce.
2. Create a moisture-removing technique by transferring the grated cucumber to a clean kitchen towel, gently pressing and squeezing to eliminate excess water, which prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
3. Select a mixing bowl to combine the Greek yogurt base with the prepared cucumber, allowing for smooth integration of ingredients.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and optional red wine vinegar into the yogurt mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Sprinkle dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the sauce, gently folding to ensure balanced seasoning throughout the mixture.
6. Taste the tzatziki sauce and make subtle adjustments to the salt, pepper, or acid levels, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and herbaceous notes.
7. Allow the sauce to rest briefly, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify before serving or using as a dressing for the chicken salad.

Notes

• Pat cucumber dry thoroughly to ensure a thick, creamy tzatziki sauce without excess water.
• Chill the tzatziki sauce for 30 minutes before mixing with chicken to enhance flavor melding and texture.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, more authentic taste that holds together better in the salad.
• Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan version of the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg