Tzatziki Chicken Salad

When you combine the creamy tang of Tzatziki sauce with tender shredded rotisserie chicken, you get a delightful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for lunches, dinners, or even as a snack. This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is an exciting twist on the traditional chicken salad recipe, packing in fresh flavors from dill, cucumber, and Greek yogurt.

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With minimal ingredients and effort, this dish provides a Mediterranean flair that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. Whether served on pita bread, with crackers, or over a bed of greens, this chicken salad is versatile, healthy, and delicious.

Let’s break down the ingredients, process, and some helpful tips to make this dish a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients Overview

1. Cucumber (1 medium, finely grated):

Cucumber is the star vegetable in Tzatziki sauce, lending a refreshing crunch and coolness to the chicken salad. Grating the cucumber ensures its flavors mix well with the yogurt while adding a subtle texture to the dish. Removing the excess moisture from the grated cucumber is key to avoiding a watery salad.

2. Plain Greek Yogurt (¾ cup):

Greek yogurt serves as the creamy base of the Tzatziki sauce, replacing traditional mayonnaise found in most chicken salad recipes. Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and tangier, which enhances the dish’s flavor while adding a healthy dose of protein.

3. Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped):

Fresh dill is a classic herb in Tzatziki sauce. Its bright, slightly citrusy flavor gives the chicken salad a refreshing, herby punch. Using fresh dill is highly recommended, as dried dill won’t provide the same robust flavor.

4. Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon):

Lemon juice adds a zesty brightness and acidity to the salad, balancing the richness of the yogurt and the chicken. It also helps to brighten the overall flavor profile, making the salad taste light and fresh.

5. Garlic (1 clove, minced):

Garlic is a staple in Tzatziki, offering a slightly spicy, savory kick that complements the yogurt and herbs. Use fresh garlic for the best results, and make sure it’s finely minced to avoid biting into large chunks.

6. Salt (½ teaspoon) & Pepper (¼ teaspoon):

Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings here, enhancing all the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to taste if needed, but this balance is ideal for letting the other components shine.

7. Rotisserie Chicken (1 whole chicken, shredded):

Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. You’ll want to use both white and dark meat for a fuller, more flavorful salad. The juicy, tender chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy Tzatziki sauce.

8. Red Onion (½ medium, diced):

Red onion adds a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor to the salad. Its slight sharpness contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the yogurt and the richness of the chicken, adding both flavor and crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

Start by grating 1 medium cucumber using a fine grater. Cucumber is naturally high in water, so once grated, place it in a paper towel or a tea towel, and gently squeeze to remove the excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber with ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 minced clove of garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The result is a creamy, tangy Tzatziki sauce that forms the base of the salad.

Step 3: Shred the Rotisserie Chicken

Take your rotisserie chicken and shred it into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a fork. Make sure to discard the skin and bones. The combination of both white and dark meat will add a balanced flavor to the salad. You should end up with about 3-4 cups of shredded chicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Tzatziki Sauce

Add the shredded chicken and ½ diced red onion to the bowl with the prepared Tzatziki sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the creamy sauce and the onions are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning (Optional)

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on your preference, you may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can also add an extra clove of minced garlic.

Step 6: Serve

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Pita Bread Wrap: Serve the salad inside warm pita bread with fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a delicious Mediterranean-style wrap.
• Crackers or Pita Chips: For a lighter option, serve the chicken salad as a dip with crackers or pita chips on the side.
• Over a Bed of Greens: For a healthier, low-carb option, place the chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Add additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.
• Stuffed in Tomatoes: Hollow out a large tomato and fill it with the Tzatziki Chicken Salad for an elegant, low-carb dish.

Step 7: Refrigerate Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the chicken salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir, as the sauce may separate slightly after sitting.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Tzatziki Chicken Salad

1. Removing Cucumber Moisture: Don’t skip the step of squeezing the excess moisture from the grated cucumber. This prevents your salad from becoming too watery. If you don’t have a paper or tea towel, a fine mesh strainer can also work.
2. Choosing the Right Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for this recipe, as it gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture. You can use low-fat or non-fat yogurt if you prefer, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
3. Fresh vs. Dried Dill: Fresh dill is key to achieving the best flavor in this recipe. Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. If using dried dill, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
4. Alternative Chicken Options: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, you can also use any leftover cooked chicken. Grilled chicken breasts, poached chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken will all work well in this recipe.
5. Make Ahead: Tzatziki Chicken Salad can be made a day ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. In fact, the flavors develop more after sitting for a few hours, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
6. Customizing the Recipe: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add other ingredients to the salad, like diced cucumbers, olives, or feta cheese, to boost the Mediterranean flavors. If you prefer a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Tzatziki sauce.

Equipment Recommendations

• Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls: These are perfect for mixing your Tzatziki sauce and tossing the chicken salad. Pyrex bowls are durable and come with lids, making it easy to store leftovers.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements are key when making the Tzatziki sauce, so a good set of measuring spoons is essential.
• Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of shredding the chicken and dicing the red onion.
• Boos Maple Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is always useful when working with cooked chicken and fresh vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Chicken Salad

1. Healthy and Protein-Packed: This recipe is made with Greek yogurt, which is packed with protein and much lower in fat compared to traditional chicken salad recipes that use mayonnaise. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
2. Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of dill, cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice gives this chicken salad a distinct Mediterranean flair. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather meals.
3. Quick and Easy: Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish come together in no time. With just a little prep work and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful and filling meal ready in under 20 minutes.
4. Versatile: This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to make a wrap, a dip, or a salad, this dish can be adapted to fit your needs.
5. Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it in different ways throughout the week. It’s also a great option for packed lunches.

Conclusion

The Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditional chicken salad recipes. The rich, creamy Tzatziki sauce, paired with juicy rotisserie chicken and crunchy red onion, creates a satisfying yet healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a wrap, with crackers, or over a bed of greens, this versatile dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a bright Mediterranean flavor, this salad offers everything you need for a quick, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing meal. Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite that you’ll make again and again!