Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Of course! Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a brilliant and delicious twist on classic chicken salad. It’s light, refreshing, packed with protein, and perfect for a healthy lunch. By swapping the traditional mayonnaise for Greek yogurt-based tzatziki, you get a tangy, creamy, and flavorful dish.
Here are two fantastic versions: a Classic Chunk-Style and a Shredded Chicken & Quinoa Bowl.
- Classic Tzatziki Chicken Salad (Sandwich/Salad Style)
This version is perfect for stuffing into pita pockets, wrapping in lavash, or serving on a bed of greens.
Yields: 3-4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (from a rotisserie chicken or 2 boiled/grilled breasts)
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
· 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best flavor)
· ½ cup grated English cucumber, squeezed very dry
· 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
· 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
· 1 large clove garlic, minced or grated
· 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
· 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· Add-Ins for Crunch & Flavor:
· ¼ cup finely diced red onion
· ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
· ½ cup chopped cucumber (diced, not grated)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber (Crucial Step!): Grate the ½ cup of cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much water as possible. This prevents your chicken salad from becoming watery.
- Make the Tzatziki Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed-dry grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, mint, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked chicken, diced red onion, Kalamata olives, and the additional ½ cup of chopped cucumber. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled in a pita, on a bed of lettuce, with crackers, or as a sandwich.
- Shredded Tzatziki Chicken & Quinoa Bowl
This is a heartier, meal-prep friendly option that’s more of a deconstructed salad bowl.
Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
· 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
· ¾ cup prepared tzatziki sauce (store-bought or use the recipe from above)
· 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
· ½ cup diced cucumber
· ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
· Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
· Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooled quinoa, and tzatziki sauce. Toss until well combined.
- Divide the mixture between bowls.
- Top generously with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with a lemon wedge on the side.
Recipe Notes & Tips for Success
· The Best Chicken to Use: Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut for maximum flavor and ease. You can also poach (simmer in water with herbs) or bake chicken breasts until cooked through. Grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
· Get Creative with Add-Ins:
· For more crunch: Add sliced radishes or chopped bell pepper.
· For more substance: Add a can of rinsed chickpeas.
· For a different twist: Add a pinch of oregano or sumac.
· Make it Ahead: This is an excellent make-ahead meal. It will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!
· Avoid Sogginess: The key is ensuring your grated cucumber is thoroughly dried. If you’re making it more than a day ahead, consider storing the add-ins (like the extra diced cucumber and red onion) separately and mixing them in just before serving.
· Dairy-Free Option: Use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) to make the tzatziki.
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a guaranteed way to make healthy eating feel exciting and indulgent. Enjoy