Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe Easy

Introduction

This easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad recipe brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table in minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a light lunch, it combines tender chicken with cool, creamy tzatziki and crisp vegetables. For more Greek-inspired dishes, try this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe or this quick Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry – Quick, Flavorful & Healthy!

Ingredients

This vibrant Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a cool, creamy Greek yogurt sauce, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs for a refreshing Mediterranean flavor experience.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 3/4 cup thick plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped celery or bell peppers for crunch

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its simple preparation and minimal cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and there is no pink in the center.

For a juicier result, avoid pressing down on the chicken with your spatula while cooking.

Step 3 — Let Chicken Rest and Cool

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, either shred the chicken with two forks or dice it into bite-sized pieces, then let it cool completely to room temperature.

Step 4 — Prepare the Vegetables

Finely chop half of a medium English cucumber (seeds removed), 1/4 of a red onion, and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill. English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them ideal for this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe without needing to peel.

Step 5 — Make the Tzatziki Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and the chopped dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the best flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt. It creates a richer, creamier dressing that won’t water out.

Step 6 — Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled, shredded chicken, chopped cucumber, and red onion. Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the top. Using a large spatula or spoon, gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 7 — Adjust Seasoning and Chill

Taste the Tzatziki Chicken Salad and adjust seasoning if needed—you might want an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8 — Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chilled Tzatziki Chicken Salad in pita pockets, over a bed of greens, or with crackers. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chickpeas instead of chicken — Provides a plant-based protein alternative with a creamy texture that pairs well with the tzatziki flavors.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Boosts protein content while maintaining the creamy base essential for this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe.
• Cucumber ribbons instead of pita bread — Creates a refreshing, low-carb vessel for serving your chicken salad.
• Coconut yogurt instead of dairy yogurt — Offers a dairy-free option while still providing the tangy creaminess needed for authentic tzatziki flavor.
• Turkey instead of chicken — Provides a leaner protein option with a similar texture that absorbs the tzatziki marinade beautifully.
• Lettuce cups instead of bread — Creates a gluten-free, low-carb serving option that adds crunch to your Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe.
• Fresh herbs instead of salt — Enhances flavor naturally while reducing sodium content in your chicken salad preparation.
• Quinoa instead of couscous — Adds complete protein and gluten-free grains to bulk up your tzatziki chicken salad bowl.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe in crisp lettuce cups or warm pita pockets for a satisfying lunch.
• Pair with a side of lemon-dressed Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Perfect for summer picnics and potlucks, as the flavors develop beautifully when chilled.
• Create elegant appetizers by spooning the chicken salad onto cucumber rounds or endive leaves.
• Transform it into a hearty main by serving over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens.
• Great for meal prep—keep the salad and dippers separate until ready to eat for optimal freshness.

This versatile Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe adapts easily to casual family dinners or impressive entertaining spreads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery yogurt. Fix: Strain Greek yogurt for 30 minutes to prevent a soggy salad.
• Mistake: Over-salting the chicken. Fix: Season chicken after cooking to control sodium levels.
• Mistake: Skipping cucumber draining. Fix: Salt and press cucumber slices to remove excess moisture.
• Mistake: Using raw garlic directly. Fix: Mince garlic finely and let it mellow in the dressing.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the salad. Fix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
• Mistake: Not chilling before serving. Fix: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld properly.
• Mistake: Using dried dill instead of fresh. Fix: Fresh dill provides brighter flavor essential for authentic tzatziki.
• Mistake: Cutting chicken while hot. Fix: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
• Mistake: Adding all dressing at once. Fix: Reserve some dressing to adjust consistency just before serving.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has been cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the cucumber’s texture may become softer upon thawing.
• Reheat: For food safety, reheat the chicken portion only to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It is not recommended to reheat the entire Tzatziki Chicken Salad, as the yogurt-based sauce may separate.

For the best quality, we recommend enjoying this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe fresh or chilled directly from the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. For more Mediterranean inspiration, try our Mediterranean Chicken Gyro or Ultimate Greek Peasant Salad. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe in advance. The flavors meld beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead lunch option.

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

Grilling or baking the chicken yields excellent results for this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe. Season the chicken breasts simply with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, then cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before dicing for the salad.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of making tzatziki from scratch?

Using plain Greek yogurt is a great shortcut for this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe. For the best flavor, stir in some grated cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, and garlic to mimic the classic tzatziki taste that makes this salad so refreshing.