Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Creamy, tangy, and herb-packed—this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is the cool lunch or meal prep solution you didn’t know you needed.
If you love Mediterranean flavors and crave something refreshing, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is calling your name. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with protein, and incredibly versatile. Use it in wraps, on pita bread, over crisp greens, or scoop it straight with crunchy cucumber slices or endive boats.
Why I Love This Recipe
This salad combines everything I love about tzatziki sauce—creamy Greek yogurt, cooling cucumber, fresh dill, zippy lemon juice—and transforms it into a protein-packed meal. It’s a fast, no-fuss recipe that requires zero cooking if you have leftover chicken, and the flavor payoff is huge. It’s also gluten-free, low-carb, and meal-prep friendly. Serve it chilled on a hot day, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% recommended)
- 1 cucumber, seeded and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tsp lemon zest or a dash of red pepper flakes for zing
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream for added creaminess
- Fresh chopped mint or parsley for an herbal twist
- Shredded carrots or bell peppers for crunch and color
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Tzatziki Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper and stir well.
2️⃣ Add Chicken and Mix
Fold the shredded chicken into the tzatziki mixture until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Add Onion and Olives
Stir in the red onion and Kalamata olives (if using). These give your salad a delicious briny bite and a pop of color.
4️⃣ Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5️⃣ Serve It Up
Scoop into pita bread, roll into low-carb wraps, spoon onto salad greens, or serve in endive boats for a light bite.
Tips for Success
- Use seeded cucumber to prevent your salad from getting watery.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works great here for a fast prep.
- Chill time is key—don’t skip it! It lets the garlic and herbs really soak in.
- Want a meal-prep version? Store in individual containers with pita triangles or veggie sticks.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this fresh and herby salad with bright and balanced sides:
- This Blueberry Lemonade – the ultimate summer sipper
- This Baked Brie Appetizer – for an elegant lunch spread
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls – healthy and sweet dessert pairing
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for when you want to go Mediterranean-Mexican fusion
- This Light & Tangy Chicken Salad – another chicken salad twist to try
More Recipes You’ll Love
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, throwing together a light lunch, or packing a picnic, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh, creamy, flavor-packed solution that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
Give it a try, tag me if you post it, and don’t forget to explore more feel-good recipes on ChefManiac!
Leave a Reply