Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines creamy Greek yogurt with zesty herbs and savory ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad brings the taste of Mediterranean cuisine right to your table.

A white bowl filled with a colorful tzatziki chicken salad showing several visible layers: creamy white dressing mixed with chunks of white chicken, bright red cherry tomato halves, black olives, green and yellow sliced pickles, and finely chopped green herbs. The salad has a fresh, creamy texture with layers blending but still distinct. Next to the bowl, there is a white bowl of black olives and a wooden board holding two pieces of toasted flatbread that have golden-brown spots. Everything sits on a white marbled textured surface with some green dill visible near the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 water from the grated cucumber to remove excess moisture.
  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, stirring well to create the tzatziki dressing.
  3. Step 3: Add the chopped cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
  4. Step 4: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the tzatziki dressing.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately for maximum freshness or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

  • For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt. For a lighter option, try low-fat yogurt.
  • Add fresh mint or parsley along with dill for an extra herbal note.
  • Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Substitute pepperoncini peppers with mild banana peppers if you prefer less heat.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh lettuce, it is best enjoyed within this time to keep the greens crisp. If refrigerated for longer, the lettuce may wilt. Reheat the chicken portion separately if desired, but serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a white bowl filled with tzatziki chicken salad that has a creamy texture mixed with chopped ingredients, including light green lettuce, bright red cherry tomatoes, dark black olives, and small pieces of chicken. The salad shows different colors and bits of fresh herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background featuring two pieces of golden-brown flatbread on a wooden board and another white bowl filled with shiny black olives. A silver fork lies next to the salad bowl, and a blue and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ahead and refrigerate it. However, to keep the lettuce crisp, it’s best to add it just before serving if preparing long in advance.

Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this salad is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.

Print
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A refreshing and flavorful Tzatziki Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken combined with crisp romaine, juicy grape tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner that brings Mediterranean vibes to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Tzatziki Dressing

  • 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed of 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 finely and then squeeze out the excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step prevents the salad from becoming 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 the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste and mix well until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing and well mixed.
  5. Serve: Serve the Tzatziki Chicken Salad immediately for the freshest taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

  • To remove excess moisture from the cucumber, squeezing thoroughly is essential to avoid a watery salad.
  • Use cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, for convenience and flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and dill to suit your taste preference.
  • This salad can be prepared ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce the olive oil slightly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Tzatziki Chicken Salad, Greek yogurt salad, Mediterranean chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, cucumber yogurt dressing, feta cheese salad, quick no-cook salad

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