This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on your usual salad. It features tender chicken mixed with creamy tzatziki sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh herbs!
I love how cool and tasty it is, perfect for hot days. Serve it in a pita or on a bed of greens—either way, you’ll want to go back for seconds! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can shred or dice any cooked chicken. I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to substitute with chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost!
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for the tzatziki sauce. If you need a lower-fat option, try fat-free or low-fat yogurt. For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, but be mindful of the flavor balance.
Cucumber: Grating the cucumber adds freshness, but don’t forget to squeeze out excess water! If cucumbers aren’t available, diced zucchini can work, but make sure to remove extra moisture as well.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a punch of flavor. If you don’t have it, dried dill works too, just use half the amount. Other herbs like parsley or mint can also give a fresh twist.
How Do I Make the Perfect Tzatziki Sauce?
Making tzatziki sauce is simple, but getting the right texture and flavor is key. Start with quality Greek yogurt, then combine it with the cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Here’s how!
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much water as you can to avoid a runny sauce.
- Mix the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add a bit more lemon juice or dill based on your preference!
- Let the tzatziki sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Whole wheat pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes, for garnish
- Sliced red onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is quick to assemble. Perfect for a tasty meal or snack without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This yummy sauce is what gives the salad its refreshing flavor!
2. Combine with Chicken:
Add the shredded or diced chicken and chopped red onion to the tzatziki sauce. Gently stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the tzatziki mix. It should look deliciously creamy!
3. Adjust the Flavor:
Give your chicken salad a taste. If you feel it needs a little more flavor, you can add more salt, pepper, or dill to suit your preference. It’s all about making it tasty for you!
4. Prepare to Serve:
Take your whole wheat pita bread and cut it in half. Carefully fill each pita half with the tzatziki chicken salad. It’s a fun and easy way to serve this salad!
5. Garnish and Enjoy!
Finish off by adding some sliced tomatoes and extra sliced red onions on top of the salad, if you like. Now, dig in and enjoy your refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad as a wonderful meal or snack!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken as needed, and you’re all set to mix it into the tzatziki sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tzatziki chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature.
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt?
Yes! For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt with low-fat yogurt or sour cream. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based yogurt made from almond or coconut milk—just ensure it’s unsweetened!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even diced celery can add a nice crunch and extra flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount of vegetables balanced with the chicken for the best texture.
