Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a wholesome and delicious way to enjoy a salad that’s anything but boring. The tzatziki dressing adds a cool, garlicky tang that perfectly complements juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, naturally low-carb, and can be served on its own, in a pita wrap, or over greens. Plus, it makes a great meal prep option since it keeps well in the fridge.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
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Cucumber (diced)
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Cherry tomatoes (halved)
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Red onion (thinly sliced)
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Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
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Feta cheese (crumbled)
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Fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
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Greek yogurt
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Garlic (minced)
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Lemon juice
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Black pepper
Directions
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In a small bowl, make the tzatziki dressing by combining Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
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Add the tzatziki dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
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Serve chilled as a salad, in a pita wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and since the chicken is pre-cooked, there’s no additional cooking time.
Variations
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Use grilled chicken thighs for a juicier option.
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Swap parsley for fresh mint or dill for a different herb flavor.
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Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
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Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt and skipping the feta.
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Turn it into a wrap by serving inside pita bread or flatbread.
Storage/Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s served cold, there’s no need to reheat—just stir before serving. If making ahead, keep the tzatziki dressing separate and toss it with the salad right before eating to keep vegetables crisp.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
Is tzatziki the same as ranch dressing?
No, tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and herbs, offering a tangy, refreshing flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.
What can I serve with tzatziki chicken salad?
It pairs well with pita bread, hummus, or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
Can I make it low-fat?
Yes, use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat for a lighter version.
How do I keep cucumbers from making the salad watery?
Remove the seeds before dicing, or pat them dry with paper towels.
Can I freeze tzatziki chicken salad?
No, freezing is not recommended because the yogurt and vegetables will lose their texture.
What other protein can I use?
You can swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought works if you’re short on time, though homemade adds fresher flavor.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto or low-carb diet.
Conclusion
Mediterranean tzatziki chicken salad is a light, refreshing, and versatile dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. With its creamy tzatziki dressing, crisp vegetables, and juicy chicken, it’s the perfect meal for warm days or a quick, healthy lunch. Easy to customize and make ahead, this salad is a go-to recipe you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, olives, and feta, all tossed in a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing. Light, protein-packed, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cucumber, diced (seeds removed if desired)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, make the tzatziki dressing by combining Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the tzatziki dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
- Serve chilled as a salad, in a pita wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.Swap parsley for fresh dill or mint for a flavor twist.Add roasted red pepers or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavor.For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt and omit the feta.Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead to avoid soggy vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg