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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.