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tzatziki chicken salad

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

A refreshing Greek-inspired chicken salad made with creamy tzatziki-style dressing, cucumbers, and fresh herbs for a protein-packed, Mediterranean meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Protein Salads
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 278

Ingredients
  

For the Tzatziki Dressing
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat preferred
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 medium cucumber seeded and diced small
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook and shred the chicken breast, then allow it to cool completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth, creamy tzatziki-inspired dressing.
  3. Lightly salt the diced cucumber pieces and let them sit in a colander for 5 minutes, then gently press out excess moisture with a paper towel.
  4. Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and cooled shredded chicken to the yogurt dressing. If using optional ingredients like red onion, feta cheese, or kalamata olives, add them now.
  5. Gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the tzatziki dressing.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (though 30 minutes to 1 hour is ideal) to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with extra fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To prevent the salad from becoming watery, don't skip the step of removing excess moisture from the cucumber.
  • This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
  • Serve in pita pockets, on a bed of greens, or with pita chips for a complete meal.