Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492170H27M15S
Total time: PT-492170H27M15S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 medium cucumber, grated; 1 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1/2 small red onion, diced; Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); Feta cheese, crumbled (optional); Olives, sliced (Kalamata or green, optional); Avocado, diced (optional); Spinach or mixed greens for serving (optional)

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Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken with the tangy flavors of traditional tzatziki, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with bright Mediterranean flavors.

A white bowl filled with a layered salad sitting on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is bright green curly lettuce leaves. On top of the lettuce, there are thick slices of light green cucumber with seeds. Next, there are chunks and strips of grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown outside and white inside, sprinkled with small bits of dark herbs. In the center is a dollop of white creamy sauce with green dill bits mixed in. Thin slices of purple onion are placed on and around the sauce. On one side of the bowl, there are small, finely chopped bright red tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 medium cucumber, grated
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for creaminess)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1/2 small red onion, diced
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Olives, sliced (Kalamata or green work well) (optional)
Avocado, diced (optional)
Spinach or mixed greens for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step. If cooking chicken, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through, then shred with two forks.
Step 2: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the tzatziki sauce.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour the tzatziki sauce over it. Gently fold to combine until the chicken is evenly coated. Add the diced red onion and stir again to mix.
Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Tips & Variations

For extra freshness, add chopped cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, sliced olives, and diced avocado just before serving.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier texture.
Try adding chopped fresh mint along with dill for a bright herbal twist.
If you prefer, substitute shredded rotisserie chicken with grilled or poached chicken breasts.
Serve the salad over a bed of spinach or mixed greens for a wholesome meal.

Storage

Store the tzatziki chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. The cucumber may release some liquid, so draining excess moisture before mixing helps keep the salad from becoming watery. This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad consisting of three main layers: the bottom layer is bright green ruffled lettuce leaves, the middle layer is thick cucumber chunks with a fresh green outer skin, and the top layer is grilled chicken pieces with a light golden brown sear. Scattered thin slices of purple-red onion add color contrast, while a creamy white sauce with green dill flecks is drizzled generously over the salad. The textures range from crunchy lettuce and cucumbers to tender chicken, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Regular yogurt can be used, but it’s thinner and less creamy. Straining it through a cheesecloth before using helps achieve a thicker consistency closer to Greek yogurt.

How do I prevent the cucumber from making the salad watery?

After grating the cucumber, squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean towel or paper towels. This step is essential to keep the salad from becoming watery.