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Tzatziki Chicken Salad

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.

  1. 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)

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  1. 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

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooled quinoa, and tzatziki sauce. Toss until well combined.
  2. Divide the mixture between bowls.
  3. Top generously with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
  4. 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

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