This refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad is perfect for light and healthy meals. Tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and crunchy veggies mix together for a lovely taste.
Honestly, I could eat this salad every day. It’s quick to make and great for lunch or dinner. Pair it with pita bread, and you’re ready for a delicious feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe! It’s convenient and adds great flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken, that works too. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead.
Greek Yogurt: This gives the salad its creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, use dairy-free yogurt or substitute with mashed avocado for creaminess and added flavor.
Cucumber: A fresh cucumber adds crunch. If cucumbers aren’t in season, try using zucchini instead for a similar texture. Just make sure to pat it dry to avoid extra moisture.
Dill: Fresh dill really enhances the tzatziki flavor. If you don’t have it, use dried dill, or mix in a bit of oregano or parsley for a different twist.
How Do You Make Tzatziki Sauce Stand Out?
The tzatziki sauce is key! Start with a good quality Greek yogurt and mix well with the cucumbers, garlic, dill, lemon, and olive oil. Make sure to use freshly minced garlic to give it a wonderful zing!
- Drain the diced cucumber in a colander for 10 minutes to remove excess water. This keeps the salad from being runny.
- Mix all ingredients gently so you don’t break down the chicken too much.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as you prefer.
Creating a perfect tzatziki sauce is all about balancing flavors. A little extra lemon juice brightens the taste, so don’t be shy!
Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled chicken works well)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced (peeled and seeded)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, plus extra slices for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 whole wheat pita breads or flatbreads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. No cooking is required if you use pre-cooked chicken, so you can whip this up quickly for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir everything together until everything is well mixed, and you have a creamy tzatziki sauce.
2. Season It Up:
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your palate!
3. Combine with Chicken:
Next, gently fold the shredded chicken into the tzatziki sauce. Mix it carefully until all the chicken is coated in that delicious tzatziki goodness.
4. Prepare the Pita:
Warm the pita breads slightly—either in a skillet over low heat or in the oven for a few minutes—so they become soft and easier to wrap.
5. Assemble Your Salad:
Start building your pitas! Layer some tomato slices and a few red onion rings on each warmed pita.
6. Add the Chicken Salad:
Spoon a generous portion of the tzatziki chicken salad right over the tomatoes and onions on the pitas.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while everything is fresh! You can garnish with extra fresh dill or more red onion rings if you like extra crunch.
Enjoy this cool, creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad wrapped in soft pita bread—a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s sure to please!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Tzatziki Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought tzatziki sauce for the homemade version. Just make sure to choose a good quality one to ensure great flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Lower in Calories?
For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt or a non-fat alternative. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil or skip it altogether while making sure to maintain the other ingredients for flavor.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tzatziki chicken salad in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the tomato and onion to the pita fresh when you’re ready to serve to keep everything crunchy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the chicken salad separate from the pita to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken if desired, or enjoy it cold!
