Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Featured in Crisp and Fresh Salads.

Transform your lunch with this Greek-inspired chicken salad featuring homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean toppings like feta and kalamata olives.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:13:08 GMT
A vibrant salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a creamy herb dressing. Pin it
A vibrant salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a creamy herb dressing. | recipesbyclare.com

I fell in love with this Tzatziki Chicken Salad after a trip to Greece. The way the creamy tzatziki sauce coats tender chicken and fresh veggies creates something truly special. Now it's my go-to for a light but satisfying meal that brings those sunny Mediterranean flavors right to my kitchen.

What Makes This Special

This isn't your ordinary chicken salad. That creamy tzatziki dressing and bold fresh ingredients take it to another level. I love having it ready in my fridge for quick lunches or light dinners that actually keep me satisfied.

Everything You Need

  • Greek Yogurt: One cup plus two tablespoons makes our creamy base.
  • Cucumber: Half grated adds such lovely freshness.
  • Garlic: Two or three cloves pressed fresh is best.
  • Olive Oil: Two tablespoons good quality makes a difference.
  • Fresh Dill: Two tablespoons chopped brings that Greek flavor.
  • Chicken: Two cups chopped I use roasted or grilled.
  • Romaine: Two cups chopped for crunch.
  • Tomatoes: Cup of sweet little grape ones halved.
  • Pepperoncini: Half cup sliced adds nice tang.
  • Kalamata Olives: Half cup love that briny bite.
  • Red Onion: Quarter cup chopped small.
  • Feta: Half cup crumbled over top.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.

Let's Make It Together

Start With The Tzatziki
Mix your yogurt grated cucumber garlic olive oil and dill. Season it just right this is our star sauce.
Build Your Salad
Layer crisp romaine juicy tomatoes pepperoncini olives and red onion in a big bowl.
Add The Protein
Scatter that lovely chicken over everything.
Dress It Up
Spoon that creamy tzatziki all over make sure every bite gets some.
Final Touch
Sprinkle with feta cheese it brings everything together.
A colorful salad featuring grilled chicken pieces, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and a creamy herb dressing on a bed of leafy greens. Pin it
A colorful salad featuring grilled chicken pieces, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and a creamy herb dressing on a bed of leafy greens. | recipesbyclare.com

My Best Tips

Fresh ingredients make all the difference here. Give that grated cucumber a good squeeze before mixing into the tzatziki keeps everything creamy not watery. Sometimes I'll toss in some crispy pita chips right before serving adds such nice crunch.

Mix It Up

I love adding grilled veggies when I have them or swapping in baby spinach. Sometimes I'll use shrimp instead of chicken or chickpeas to keep it vegetarian. A few extra pepperoncini when I want more kick.

Plan Ahead

Make your tzatziki and prep those veggies early they keep beautifully in separate containers. Just toss everything together when you're ready to eat keeps everything fresh and crisp.

Perfect Partners

We love this with warm pita bread on the side or a simple tomato cucumber salad. Sometimes I'll make some lemon rice too makes it feel like a real Greek feast.

A vibrant salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, served in a black bowl. Pin it
A vibrant salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, served in a black bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep It Fresh

Leftovers stay good for couple days in the fridge just keep that tzatziki separate. Add it fresh when you're ready to eat keeps everything perfect.

Mediterranean Magic

This salad brings all those sunny Mediterranean flavors together in one bowl. It's light but filling fresh but satisfying just what you want on a warm evening or busy lunch hour.

Ready When You Are

I love prepping this on Sunday for easy lunches all week. Keep everything separate in the fridge ready to assemble. Makes busy weekdays so much easier.

Plant Based Options

No dairy? Try coconut yogurt in your tzatziki. Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu and use your favorite dairy free feta. Still tastes amazing.

A colorful salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy dressing, served in a dark bowl. Pin it
A colorful salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy dressing, served in a dark bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Add Some Crunch

A handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts makes everything extra special. Those crispy pita chips are lovely too breaks up all those lovely creamy textures.

Fresh Herb Heaven

Don't be shy with those fresh herbs. Besides dill try some fresh mint parsley or basil. They bring such brightness to every bite.

Party Perfect

This is my go-to for summer gatherings. Set it out with some hummus baba ganoush and warm pita. People always come back for seconds.

Watch Those Carbs

Skipping the pita? Add some avocado for richness. This salad is naturally low carb but still fills you up just right.

A vibrant salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy herb dressing. Pin it
A vibrant salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy herb dressing. | recipesbyclare.com

Citrus Fresh

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up. Sometimes I'll add some zest to the tzatziki too gives it that extra something special.

No Gluten Needed

This salad's naturally gluten free just watch those toppings. Use gluten free pita chips if you're adding them everyone can enjoy.

All About That Sauce

The tzatziki really makes this dish sing. That creamy tangy herby sauce just brings everything together in the most perfect way.

Good and Good For You

What I love most is how this salad fills you up without weighing you down. It's got protein healthy fats all those fresh veggies everything your body needs in one delicious bowl.

A colorful salad featuring grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy herb dressing, served in a dark bowl. Pin it
A colorful salad featuring grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy herb dressing, served in a dark bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, tzatziki actually tastes better when made ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days to let the flavors develop.

→ What's the best way to grate cucumber for tzatziki?

Grate the cucumber finely and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent watery tzatziki.

→ Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

While fresh dill provides the best flavor, you can use dried dill in a pinch. Use about 2 teaspoons dried since it's more concentrated.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken works, including rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast. Just ensure it's chopped into bite-sized pieces.

→ Can I meal prep this salad?

Keep components separate and assemble just before eating. Store tzatziki and chicken up to 3 days, prep vegetables fresh for best results.

Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Fresh Mediterranean flavors combine in this quick and easy tzatziki chicken salad, perfect for a light and healthy lunch.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Fresh Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt.
02 1/2 cucumber, grated.
03 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed.
04 2 tablespoons olive oil.
05 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped.
06 Salt and pepper to taste.
07 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped.
08 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped.
09 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved.
10 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced.
11 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced.
12 1/4 cup red onion, chopped.
13 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Combine lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, olives, and red onion in a large bowl.

Step 03

Layer chopped chicken over the salad mixture.

Step 04

Top with dollops of prepared tzatziki sauce.

Step 05

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.

Notes

  1. Best assembled just before eating.
  2. Tzatziki can be made ahead.
  3. Use any cooked chicken you prefer.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls.
  • Grater.
  • Garlic press.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (yogurt, feta cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 28 g