Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite meals: Tzatziki Chicken Salad! This refreshingly herby, creamy, and protein-packed salad combines tender shredded chicken with cool, tangy homemade tzatziki, briny kalamata olives, pops of feta cheese, and a shower of fresh herbs. It’s light, filling, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor—perfect for sunny lunches, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing picnic.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love when a handful of vibrant, everyday ingredients transform into something truly crave-worthy? That’s exactly what happens here. Each component in Tzatziki Chicken Salad plays a role in creating the kind of freshness, crunch, and tang you can’t resist.

• Plain Greek Yogurt: 2% or whole milk varieties yield a creamy texture and rich, tangy base for the tzatziki, and pack in the protein too.
• Shredded Cucumber: Adds coolness and crunch—be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid so your salad isn’t watery.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Gives brightness and zing, balancing the richness of the yogurt and chicken.
• Fresh Dill: Makes the tzatziki sing with herby, aromatic notes. Don’t skip it if you love authentic flavor!
• Garlic Powder: Lends a mellow, savory punch without overpowering the salad.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To bring out all those fabulous flavors—season to taste.
• Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled chicken for super quick assembly.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped for a hint of sharpness and beautiful color.
• Kalamata Olives: Their briny bite is unbelievable paired with creamy tzatziki and chicken.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, salty, and creamy—crumbled for pops of flavor in every bite.
• Flat Leaf Parsley: Fresh, vibrant parsley adds color and a finishing hit of Mediterranean charm.

Variations

The beauty of Tzatziki Chicken Salad is how easily you can make it your own! Don’t be afraid to put your spin on it—the flavors are friendly to swaps, dietary tweaks, or whatever you’ve got on hand.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap in a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based feta for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, or thinly sliced radishes for even more crunch and color.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans with the chicken for extra heartiness and fiber.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a spoonful of chopped pepperoncini for a little heat.

How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (make sure you’ve squeezed out all that extra water!), fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and a sprinkle each of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is thick, creamy, and beautifully flecked with green. Go ahead—take a little taste to see if you want more lemon or a touch more dill!

Step 2: Toss with Chicken & Mix-Ins

Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and parsley right into the bowl with your fresh tzatziki. Gently fold everything together until the chicken and veggies are completely coated and every forkful is packed with flavor. At this point, taste one more time—add an extra squeeze of lemon, tiny pinch of salt, or dash more black pepper to make it perfect for you.

Step 3: Chill (Optional!) and Serve

While the Tzatziki Chicken Salad tastes fantastic right away, popping it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes lets the flavors meld and makes it even more refreshing. Serve it mounded in pitas, heaped onto fresh greens, or with veggie dippers—the options are endless and always delicious.

How to Serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Give your Tzatziki Chicken Salad the finishing touches it deserves! Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley for a burst of green, a sprinkle more crumbled feta, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A lemon wedge on the side adds bright appeal if your guests want even more zing.

Side Dishes

This salad loves to share the plate with warm pita, crisp pita chips, or fluffy couscous. For an extra-fresh meal, serve it alongside a Greek tomato salad, marinated artichokes, or a crisp tabbouleh. I also love crunchy carrot sticks or cucumber rounds to scoop up every last bite!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad inside lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a handheld appetizer. Meal prepping? Pack individual containers over greens with extra veggies for office-ready lunches. Or for family style, pile it high on a platter with all the fixings—everyone can make their own pita or bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tzatziki Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld as it sits, making it even more irresistible the next day—just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t suited for freezing, as the yogurt base may separate and the veggies lose their crunch after thawing. If you need to prep ahead, feel free to freeze just the shredded chicken and toss it with fresh tzatziki and veggies later for best texture.

Reheating

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, no reheating required! If you’d like a warm meal, try gently warming pita bread or serving the salad over freshly cooked rice for a cozy twist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste the fresh, vibrant flavors packed into this Tzatziki Chicken Salad. It’s one of those dreamy recipes that’s as satisfying as it is simple—perfect for sharing with family and friends, or savoring solo for a burst of Mediterranean sunshine any day of the week. Give it a try, and let it become a staple at your table, too!

Print