This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is light and refreshing, mixing juicy chicken with a cool, creamy tzatziki dressing. You’ll love the crunchy cucumbers and bright herbs!
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic. I like to pair it with some pita bread for a satisfying meal—light, tasty, and oh-so-simple to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star here! Grilled or roasted chicken adds great flavor, but you can also use leftover rotisserie chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or grilled tofu for a different but tasty twist.
Greek Yogurt: This gives the salad its creamy texture and tangy taste. If you can’t find Greek yogurt, regular yogurt works too, just use less since it’s thinner. For a lighter option, you can use low-fat or dairy-free yogurt.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch; you can also try zucchini if cucumbers aren’t available. If you want to skip the chopping, shredded carrots can provide texture too! Don’t forget to peel if you prefer less bitterness.
Fresh Dill: A key flavor in tzatziki! If dill isn’t available, mint or parsley can be great substitutes for a different but still refreshing taste. Dried dill works if that’s what you have, just use half the amount.
How Do You Make a Flavorful Tzatziki Dressing?
The tzatziki dressing is what makes this chicken salad special. Start by mixing the Greek yogurt with cucumber, red onion, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. A tip: let it chill for a bit for the flavors to marry nicely.
- Dice the cucumbers finely to keep the dressing creamy.
- Feel free to adjust garlic and lemon to match your personal taste.
- After mixing, let it sit for 15-30 minutes in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deepen!
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably grilled or roasted)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, finely diced (peeled if desired)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Whole wheat pita bread or lettuce leaves for serving
- Slices of tomato and additional red onion for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Tzatziki Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. It’s quick to assemble, and you’ll have a delicious and refreshing meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing:
Start by taking a medium bowl and add the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, as well as a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This will be the tzatziki dressing that brings all the flavors together!
2. Combine with Chicken:
Next, add the shredded chicken to the tzatziki dressing mixture. Gently stir everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the delicious dressing. It’s important to make sure every bit of chicken gets that yummy flavor!
3. Taste and Season:
Give your chicken salad a taste! Decide if you want to add more salt, pepper, or even a little extra lemon juice for some zing. Adjust it according to your preference, making it just right for your taste buds!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! You can spoon the tzatziki chicken salad into whole wheat pita bread for a delightful sandwich or onto crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter dish. It’s your choice! Top with slices of tomato and a bit more chopped red onion to make it look extra colorful and appetizing. Enjoy your refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for Tzatziki Chicken Salad. Just shred the chicken and follow the recipe as usual. It’s a great time-saver and adds amazing flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream. Keep in mind that the consistency may be a bit thinner with regular yogurt, so you might want to adjust the amount of lemon juice to maintain a balanced flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Tzatziki Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even olives for extra flavor and crunch. Just make sure to adjust the amounts to maintain the balance of ingredients in the salad.
