I make this dish when I need a quick lunch. I like food that feels fresh and fills me up. I first tried TZATZIKI CHICKEN SALAD on a busy week. It saved me time and tasted good. Now I use it for packed lunches and light dinners.
This salad mixes cool yogurt and cucumber with cooked chicken. It feels bright and mild. It works well on a hot day or when I want a fast meal. I keep it on hand for days when I want something easy and clean.
This recipe is a simple mix of cooked chicken and a tzatziki style sauce. The sauce uses Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon, and garlic. The result is cool, tangy, and a bit herbal. The chicken brings meat and protein. People often serve this at home for lunch, as a light dinner, or at a small lunch get-together. It fits picnics and quick meals. It does not need long time to make if you use cooked chicken. If you like quick chicken salads, try this delicious simple cranberry chicken salad for more ideas and easy swaps.
Why make this recipe
This salad saves time and smells fresh. You can use rotisserie chicken and make the sauce in ten minutes. It needs little prep and no oven time. It tastes light from the yogurt and lemon. The dill gives a green, herbal note. It works for daily lunch and for a simple dinner. You can make a batch and eat it for a few days. It is easy to change the texture by shredding or chopping the chicken. It suits people who want a cool, fresh meal that is not heavy.
How to make TZATZIKI CHICKEN SALAD
First, get the chicken ready and make the sauce. You start by grating cucumber and mixing it with yogurt, dill, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper. This step creates the tzatziki base. Next, shred the cooked chicken and fold it into the sauce. The chicken soaks up the flavor and stays moist. Add diced red onion to bring a sharp bite and some crunch. Mix gently so the salad stays light. If you want heat, add black pepper or a small pinch of chili. For a baked version idea, you can look at an easy dump and bake chicken tzatziki casserole to use similar flavors in a warm dish.
Ingredients
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Cucumber
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red onion
Use rotisserie chicken for speed. A cucumber adds crunch and water. Greek yogurt makes the sauce thick and tangy. Fresh dill gives a bright herb note. Lemon juice adds acid and keeps the salad fresh. Garlic gives depth and a little bite. Salt brings out all the flavors. Pepper gives a mild heat. Red onion adds texture and a sharp taste that cuts the creaminess. You can tweak amounts to taste. If you want a milder onion flavor, rinse the diced onion in cold water or choose a sweet onion. If you like more herb, add extra dill or a bit of chopped mint.
Directions
Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Grating the cucumber releases water and small pieces that mix well with yogurt. Let the mix sit a few minutes so flavors join. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix with the tzatziki sauce. Shredding helps the sauce coat each piece. Add diced red onion to the chicken mixture. The onion gives crunch and a bright taste that balances the cream. Serve on pita bread, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce. Each serving method changes the texture and feel. On pita it becomes a sandwich. On lettuce it is low carb. On crackers it is a snack. Chill briefly if you want a cooler salad. Taste and adjust salt or lemon at the end.
How to serve TZATZIKI CHICKEN SALAD
You can serve this salad in many simple ways. Spoon it into pita bread for a quick sandwich. Spread it on crackers for a light snack. Place it on top of a bed of mixed greens for a fresh plate. You can also use it as a filling for wraps with tomato and cucumber. For kids, serve it with plain bread or small rolls. For a party, arrange it in a bowl with pita triangles and veggie sticks. If you want more protein focus, try it with a warm grain bowl or pair it with hard boiled eggs or beans like in a high protein chicken salad. Keep portions small for light meals or add more chicken for a main dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes. Plain yogurt works, but it will be thinner. You may want to drain some liquid first.
Q: How long will it last in the fridge?
A: It will keep well for about 3 days in a sealed container. See storage notes below.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and chicken a few hours ahead. Mix just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is fresh dill required?
A: Fresh dill gives the best flavor. You can use dried dill, but use less. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Conclusion
For another take on this salad, see this Tzatziki Chicken Salad that has extra serving ideas. If you want a very similar home version with clear steps, try this Easy Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad – Host The Toast. For a vintage-style recipe and notes, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe | Vintage MixerVintage Mixer offers another clear view.
Print
Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A refreshing salad combining shredded chicken with a creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice, perfect for lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 red onion, diced
Instructions
- Prepare tzatziki sauce by mixing grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Shred the rotisserie chicken and fold it into the tzatziki sauce.
- Add diced red onion to the chicken mixture and mix gently.
- Serve on pita bread, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
- Chill briefly for a cooler salad and adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
Serve this salad in pita for a sandwich, on crackers for a snack, or over greens for a fresh meal. It holds well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Adjust the amount of garlic and onion according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
