Introduction
Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, fresh, and healthy dish that brings together juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or even as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
This salad is great for anyone who wants something delicious but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You can even make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Let’s dive into what you need and how to make it!
Ingredients – Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Here’s a simple list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Tzatziki Chicken Salad:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup cucumber (chopped or shredded)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves or pita bread (optional for serving)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out extra water)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt to taste
Step by Step Process – Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
You can use grilled, roasted, or boiled chicken. Leftover chicken works great too! Make sure it’s fully cooked, then chop or shred it into small pieces.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a bowl, add 1 cup of Greek yogurt.
- Grate half a cucumber and squeeze out the water using a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Add the grated cucumber to the yogurt.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped dill or mint.
- Add a pinch of salt and stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop your red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber into small pieces. If you’re using parsley or dill, chop it finely.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken.
- Add all the chopped veggies: cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and herbs.
- Pour the homemade tzatziki sauce over the top.
- Add crumbled feta cheese (optional) and mix everything well.
Step 5: Serve
You can serve the salad in many ways:
- On a bed of lettuce
- Inside a pita pocket
- With crackers
- On its own as a refreshing bowl
Tip: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–320 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 6–8 grams |
| Fiber | 1–2 grams |
| Total Fat | 15–18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4–6 grams |
| Sugar | 3–5 grams |
| Sodium | 400–500 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 15% of Daily Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of homemade?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought tzatziki is a great shortcut. But homemade gives you better flavor and control over ingredients.
Q2: What kind of chicken works best?
Grilled or roasted chicken breast is the healthiest option. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Q3: How long can I store Tzatziki Chicken Salad?
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. It’s best eaten cold.
Q4: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes. You can use dairy-free yogurt to make the tzatziki, and skip the feta cheese.
Q5: What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with:
- Toasted pita bread
- Quinoa or rice
- A side of olives or hummus
- A glass of lemonade or iced tea!
Q6: Is this salad good for weight loss?
It’s a great choice for a healthy diet! It’s high in protein and low in carbs, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Tzatziki Chicken Salad is more than just a tasty meal—it’s a feel-good, eat-well kind of dish. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor from the creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and juicy chicken. Best of all, it’s super easy to make.
Whether you’re packing lunch, preparing dinner, or just want a quick snack, this salad fits perfectly. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste, and it’s a fun way to eat more veggies and protein. Give it a try this week! You might just discover a new favorite meal that’s simple, healthy, and delicious.
