Save Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with crisp vegetables. By using tender shredded rotisserie chicken, this Mediterranean-inspired meal comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. The combination of cool Greek yogurt, zesty lemon, and fresh dill creates a flavor profile that is both invigorating and deeply satisfying.
Save Whether you are prepping meals for a busy week or hosting a casual weekend picnic, this salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad. The homemade tzatziki dressing ensures every bite is creamy without being heavy, while the addition of Mediterranean staples like feta and olives provides a delightful salty kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skinless)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 medium cucumber, grated
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup olives (Kalamata or green), sliced (optional)
- 1 small avocado, diced (optional)
- Spinach or mixed greens, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Cucumber
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- 2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- 3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and gently fold until evenly coated. Add diced red onion and any optional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, or avocado. Mix gently to combine.
- 4. Chill
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 5. Serve
- Serve chilled over a bed of spinach or mixed greens, or enjoy as is.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in lemon juice and olive oil before shredding. This simple step infuses the meat with more depth and complements the tangy tzatziki sauce perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute fresh mint for dill or add both for a different herb profile. For a lighter version of this recipe, use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of the full-fat variety to reduce the calorie count while maintaining the creamy texture.
Serviervorschläge
This salad is delicious when served in warm pita pockets or crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It is also perfect when served chilled over a fresh bed of spinach or mixed greens with extra Kalamata olives and feta on top.
Save This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a meal that is both healthy and incredibly flavorful. It is sure to become a staple in your rotation for easy, cooling meals throughout the year.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually benefits from chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You can prepare it a few hours in advance, but it's best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → What type of Greek yogurt is recommended?
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is recommended for the best creamy texture and rich flavor in the tzatziki sauce. However, for a lighter option, you can certainly use low-fat Greek yogurt without compromising taste too much.
- → What are some good serving suggestions for this salad?
This versatile chicken salad can be served in many delicious ways. Enjoy it chilled over a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens, nestled in warm pita pockets, or as a light and refreshing filling for lettuce wraps.
- → Can I customize the herbs in the tzatziki?
While fresh dill is traditional and highly recommended for its classic flavor, you can certainly experiment. Substituting fresh mint for dill, or even using a combination of both, will create a delightful, slightly different herb profile in your tzatziki.
- → What if I don't have rotisserie chicken?
If you don't have rotisserie chicken, you can easily cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Simply poach, boil, or bake them until cooked through, then shred with two forks. Ensure the chicken is cooled before mixing into the salad.