Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines creamy Greek yogurt with tender shredded chicken and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a tasty addition to your picnic spread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cucumber (excess liquid squeezed out)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover works well)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as desired.
2. Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley to the tzatziki base. Gently stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the mix-ins are well distributed.
3. Step 3: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice, salt, pepper, or feta cheese to suit your preference.
4. Step 4: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. It is also delicious served immediately if you’re short on time.

Tips & Variations

• Squeeze the excess water from the shredded cucumber thoroughly to keep the salad creamy and avoid it becoming watery.
• Substitute fresh grated garlic for garlic powder if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
• Try adding chopped fresh mint alongside the dill for an extra fresh herbal note.
• Use leftover grilled chicken to add a smoky depth to the salad.

Storage

Store the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it chilled. Avoid freezing, as the yogurt base may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours or even a day ahead. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but if you add fresh herbs or onions, they might become stronger over time.

What can I serve with Tzatziki Chicken Salad?

This salad is great on its own, in pita bread, or served alongside fresh greens and warm pita chips for a complete meal with Mediterranean flair.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 56 reviews

A vibrant and creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt and cucumber base, enriched with fresh herbs, olives, feta, and red onion. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, combining layers of flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients for an irresistible dish.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling, optional)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Tzatziki Base

• 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 cup Shredded Cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
• 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Salad Mix-Ins

• 2 cups Shredded Chicken (cooked, rotisserie, or leftover)
• 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Red Onion
• 1/4 cup Chopped Kalamata Olives
• 1/3 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
• 2 tablespoons Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (after squeezing out all excess moisture), lemon juice, chopped dill, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Taste and adjust the lemon juice or seasoning as desired to achieve a balanced, tangy flavor that forms the creamy tzatziki foundation.
2. Add the Chicken and Mix-Ins: To the prepared tzatziki base, add the shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped flat leaf parsley. Gently fold these mix-ins into the yogurt mixture, ensuring the chicken is well coated and the ingredients are distributed evenly throughout for a colorful, textured salad.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Sample your salad and modify the flavors to your preference. You may wish to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for more brightness, a pinch more salt for seasoning balance, or additional crumbled feta for a richer, creamier texture. Freshly ground black pepper can also be added to enhance the savory notes.
4. Chill the Salad (Optional): For optimal flavor melding, cover the salad and refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step allows the ingredients to harmonize and intensify; however, the salad is delicious immediately after mixing if you prefer to enjoy it right away.

Notes

• Squeeze the cucumber thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
• You can substitute fresh grated garlic for garlic powder if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
• Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience and tenderness.
• Chilling the salad enhances the flavor but is optional based on time availability.
• Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste as these can vary based on ingredient freshness and preference.

Keywords: Tzatziki Chicken Salad, Greek Yogurt Salad, Mediterranean Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, No-Cook Salad