What the heck is this?
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on your classic chicken salad, combining the creamy, tangy goodness of tzatziki sauce with tender chunks of chicken, crunchy veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs. It’s like a cool breeze on a warm day, with all the satisfying flavors you crave. Whether you’re serving it in a wrap, on a bed of greens, or just by itself, this chicken salad is the perfect balance of light yet filling. It’s packed with protein, flavor, and a touch of Mediterranean flair that makes it the perfect lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tzatziki sauce adds a cool, creamy twist to traditional chicken salad.
- It’s high in protein and low in carbs, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
- Fresh herbs and veggies keep it light and refreshing.
- Perfect for meal prep, it stores well for a few days.
- You can eat it on its own, in wraps, or over greens for a versatile dish.
- No mayo! Tzatziki is made with yogurt, making it a healthier alternative.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (leftover chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh if you’ve got it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Set it aside for the flavors to meld together while you prep the chicken salad.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded or chopped chicken, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it into the bowl for an extra creamy touch.
Step 3: Toss with Tzatziki
Add the tzatziki sauce to the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is well-coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Step 4: Serve It Up
You can serve this salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld even more. This chicken salad is great on its own, in a pita or wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crunchy pita chips or fresh veggies.
Top with extra fresh parsley or a few Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean touch.
Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water to complete the meal.
Switch It Up
Add Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or almonds add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Go Dairy-Free: Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version to make it vegan-friendly.
Add Fruit: A handful of grapes or apples for a sweet and savory combo.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Make-Ahead Tips
This chicken salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s great for meal prep.
For the freshest taste, store the tzatziki sauce and chicken salad separately and combine just before serving.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and will add extra flavor to the salad.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make it the day before for an easy lunch the next day. Just store it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I serve this on a sandwich?
A: Definitely! This chicken salad works beautifully in a pita or sandwich wrap, or even on a croissant for something extra special.
Tzatziki Chicken Salad: A Cool, Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 31 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on your classic chicken salad, combining the creamy, tangy goodness of tzatziki sauce with tender chunks of chicken, crunchy veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs. It’s like a cool breeze on a warm day, with all the satisfying flavors you crave. Whether you’re serving it in a wrap, on a bed of greens, or just by itself, this chicken salad is the perfect balance of light yet filling. It’s packed with protein, flavor, and a touch of Mediterranean flair that makes it the perfect lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (leftover chicken works great)
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh if you’ve got it)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Set it aside for the flavors to meld together while you prep the chicken salad.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded or chopped chicken, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it into the bowl for an extra creamy touch.
Step 3: Toss with Tzatziki
Add the tzatziki sauce to the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is well-coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Step 4: Serve It Up
You can serve this salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld even more. This chicken salad is great on its own, in a pita or wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
Add Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or almonds add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Go Dairy-Free: Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version to make it vegan-friendly.
Add Fruit: A handful of grapes or apples for a sweet and savory combo.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: no-cook recipe
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 calories
- Protein: ~32g