This Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a quick, tasty dish perfect for lunch or dinner!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like a little vacation on a plate? I usually serve mine with warm pita bread—it’s like a summer party! 🎉
I really enjoy how simple it is to whip up this salad. Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’re all set! Perfect for those busy days when you need a delicious meal in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the base of your tzatziki sauce. I love using full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess, but you can switch to low-fat or even dairy-free yogurt if needed.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch and moisture. If you don’t have cucumber, try using finely chopped zucchini or even diced bell peppers for a twist.
Fresh Dill: Dill brings a bright flavor to the dish. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute with oregano or mint for a different, yet tasty herb profile.
Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you have leftover chicken or turkey, that works beautifully too! For a vegetarian option, chickpeas would be a great substitute.
How Can I Make Sure My Tzatziki Sauce is Smooth and Creamy?
A creamy tzatziki sauce is key to this chicken salad. To make sure yours turns out great, pay attention to these tips:
- Start with a thick, high-quality Greek yogurt to avoid a watery sauce.
- After dicing the cucumber, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture—just drain before adding to the sauce.
- Mix all ingredients gently to keep the yogurt light and fluffy.
These steps will help you get a tzatziki that clings nicely to your chicken salad, adding delicious flavor without becoming soggy!
How to Make Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced or grated (seeds removed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 2 small whole wheat pita breads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tzatziki Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. No cooking is required since we’re using cooked chicken. It’s a quick, easy meal full of flavor—perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything nicely until you have a smooth sauce. This tzatziki sauce is going to give your chicken salad that fresh, tangy flavor!
2. Mix in the Chicken:
Add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breasts into the bowl with the tzatziki sauce. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until all the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce, making sure every piece is covered!
3. Prepare the Pita Breads:
To make the pita bread warm and soft, pop it in the toaster for a minute or warm it up on a dry skillet for a few seconds. This will make it easier to fold when you build your sandwich.
4. Assemble Your Salad:
On each pita bread, place some slices of fresh tomato and sprinkle on the chopped red onion. These crunchy veggies add a nice texture to your dish!
5. Add the Chicken Salad:
Spoon a generous amount of the tzatziki chicken salad over the tomatoes and onions. Don’t be shy; load it up!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita carefully so it holds all the goodness inside, or serve it open-faced on a plate. Either way, it’s going to taste amazing! Enjoy your refreshing and easy-to-make Tzatziki Chicken Salad!
This recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy a light meal that’s satisfying and packed with fresh flavors. Perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it up and mix it with the tzatziki sauce!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or diced tofu. Both options will absorb the flavors of the tzatziki sauce really well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tzatziki chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re worried about sogginess, consider storing the chicken salad and pita separately until you’re ready to eat.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the tzatziki chicken salad ahead of time. Just mix everything but the pita and veggies, and keep it in the fridge. Assemble it when you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste!
