Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked); 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

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Introduction

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh, creamy, and vibrant dish that combines Mediterranean flavors in a deliciously satisfying way. With a tangy Greek yogurt base, crunchy cucumbers, and tender shredded chicken, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Two pita halves filled with a creamy chicken salad sit on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each pita is light brown and soft with slightly rough textures on the outside and is overstuffed with a chunky filling made of white shredded chicken mixed with green herbs, small pieces of red onion, and dark purple olives. Sprigs of fresh dill and chopped green parsley peek out on top of the filling, adding a touch of green. In the blurry background, a halved lemon and a small white bowl with chopped herbs can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the tzatziki base. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as desired.
Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and parsley to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated and the mix-ins are well distributed.
Step 3: Taste the salad again and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Optional: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cucumber to keep the salad creamy, not watery.
Swap feta cheese for a vegan alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
Serve the salad in pita pockets, on flatbread, or over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and extra fresh dill as a garnish for enhanced flavor.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir gently before serving as some liquid may separate. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the yogurt and vegetables can become watery and mushy.

How to Serve

The image shows two halves of a pita bread stuffed with a creamy chicken salad mixture resting on a white plate. The pita is light beige with a soft, slightly textured crust. Inside, the chicken salad fills the pita, consisting of shredded white chicken mixed with chopped fresh green herbs, finely diced purple onions, and dark purple olives. Sprigs of green dill garnish the top of the salad, adding a fresh touch. The background features a white marbled texture with a cut lemon and a small white bowl holding chopped herbs slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for Tzatziki Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that adds great flavor. Just shred the meat and remove the skin for the best texture.

What’s the best way to shred cucumber for this dish?

Using the large holes of a box grater works well for even shreds. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels to prevent the salad from becoming watery.