Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining creamy Greek yogurt with crisp vegetables and tender chicken, it offers a delicious Mediterranean twist. This salad is easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Squeeze the excess water from the grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, pressed garlic, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to create the tzatziki dressing.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and oregano before cooking.
• Use low-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Substitute fresh dill with mint or parsley for a different herbal note.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may meld even more overnight. If the salad becomes watery, gently drain excess liquid before serving. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served chilled and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it into the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Keep the salad refrigerated and toss just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens and textures of the toppings.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy vegetables, and savory chicken. Featuring classic Mediterranean ingredients like dill, feta, olives, and pepperoncini, this salad offers a tangy and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Salad

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
• ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber and then squeeze it thoroughly to remove excess water, ensuring the salad dressing is not too watery.
2. Make the tzatziki dressing: In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, pressed garlic cloves, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, mixing well to blend all flavors.
3. Assemble the salad: Add the chopped cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the tzatziki dressing. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and well mixed.

Notes

• Squeezing the cucumber well is essential to prevent a watery salad.
• You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Adjust garlic to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
• This salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to allow flavors to meld.
• To make it lower sodium, rinse olives and pepperoncini or reduce quantities.

Keywords: Tzatziki, Chicken Salad, Greek Yogurt, Mediterranean Salad, Healthy Salad, Easy Lunch