Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Are you looking for a crispy and refreshing salad? Try the tzatziki chicken salad recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Fresh and Zesty: The tzatziki dressing made at home kicked in smoothly with creaminess and tanginess along with garlic, dill, and lemon.

Healthy and Light: So filled with lean proteins and fresh veggies in addition to Greek yogurt, perfect for low carb or Mediterranean diet.

Very Quick and Easy: Just under 30 minutes is all it takes to whip this up, making it perfect for those busy days.

Versatile: Serve as a salad, in a wrap, or over greens—however you prefer it, make it your own.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it beforehand for a grab-and-go lunch that will remain fresh for days.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Dressing

1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)

1/2 cucumber, grated and drained

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad

2 cups mixed greens (or romaine lettuce)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)

Fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, juice of lemon, salt, and pepper in a cup or bowl, put the chicken breasts in, and marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook Chicken: Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat or a skillet. Place chicken into the pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, and then cut it into strips.

Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing: Grate the cucumber and wring out the water using a clean kitchen towel.

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Stir well and keep chilled until ready to serve.

Assemble the Salad: Toss mixed greens with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and olives into a large bowl.

Top the vegetables with the sliced chicken, and pour over the tzatziki dressing. Use reserved fresh dill as a final garnish.

Serve with: Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side, if desired.

Tips

Drain the cucumber: It is better to get rid of as much water from the grated cucumber as possible to prevent watery tzatziki dressing.

Marinate longer: Chicken can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the fridge to intensify the flavour.

Use fresh dill: Fresh dill will impart extra flavor to the tzatziki, while dried dill will work fine in a pinch.

Char over fire: Grilling the chicken gives a yummy smoky flavour, but you could also bake or pan-sear it.

Taste and adjust: Adjust the garlic and lemon in the tzatziki to your liking.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein options: Try shrimp or salmon on the grill instead of chicken, or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas.

Veggie add-ins: For colour and nutrition, try adding bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach.

Dairy-free tzatziki: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and skip the feta.

Spicy kick: Toss a pinch of red pepper flakes in the chicken marinade or tzatziki.

Grain boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or farro to create a heartier salad.

Serving Suggestions

Use it as a Salad: Serve it over mixed leafy greens as a light meal.

In a Wrap: Stuff the salad into a whole wheat pita or a tortilla and take it to lunch with you.

With Sides: Accompany this dish with some roasted potatoes, a side of hummus, or maybe even a little tabbouleh on the side.

For Entertaining: Mediterranean platter with olives and dips; serve with pita chips.

With Drinks: Pair with a chilled glass of rosé or sparkling water with lemon.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead

The tzatziki dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, along with grilling the chicken.

Store them separately in the refrigerator and then mix the salad just before serving.

Storing

An assembled salad (without dressing) can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

The tzatziki dressing is to be kept separately to avoid sogginess. Add the dressing just before eating.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can stay in the freezer for about 3 months.

Before using, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Fresh vegetables, as well as tzatziki, should be prepared fresh since they do not freeze well.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! To save time and for ease of preparation, simply skip the grilling stage and use shredded rotisserie chicken.

How long does homemade tzatziki last?

Tzatziki can be made at home and can last up to 5 days in the fridge when stored airtight.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbohydrates and therefore fits the keto diet. Just avoid adding any bread or grain ingredients.

Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?

You can find or prepare one, but Greek yogurt gives the best texture and tang to an authentic tzatziki.

What can I substitute for dill in tzatziki?

Fresh mint or parsley can work, though they’ll slightly change the flavour profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is everything in one little healthy bowl.

With its luscious tzatziki dressing, soft chicken, and crunchy veggies, it is an all-round dressy dish you can enjoy from a lunch-on-the-go to a dinner party.

Taste the Mediterranean; then enjoy a meal that’s healthy but delicious from this simple recipe today.

Try it out, bringing you flavours from Greece for every bite!

Read More:- Mandarin Chicken Salad Recipe