If you love the refreshing flavors of Greek cuisine and the hearty satisfaction of a good chicken salad, you’re in for a real treat. Meet your new favorite meal prep idea: Tzatziki Chicken Salad. It’s creamy (without being heavy), packed with crisp veggies, and loaded with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that instantly transport you to a sunny seaside café.
Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to make the ultimate Tzatziki Chicken Salad at home — including a foolproof recipe, easy variations, meal prep tips, and answers to all your burning questions. Let’s dive in!
What Is Tzatziki Chicken Salad?
At its heart, Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a modern Mediterranean spin on the classic American chicken salad. Instead of a mayo-heavy dressing, we use a refreshing, homemade tzatziki sauce — made with creamy Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Tzatziki Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients.
Mix and Serve:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Why You’ll Love It
There’s a lot to adore about this Tzatziki Chicken Salad — it’s not just another chicken salad recipe! Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again:
- Light but Satisfying: Thanks to the protein-packed chicken and creamy Greek yogurt, this salad keeps you full without feeling heavy.
- Refreshing Flavors: With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and zesty dill, every bite tastes like a little vacation to the Mediterranean.
- Healthier Choice: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo keeps it lower in fat and calories, while still giving you that rich, creamy texture you crave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is easy to make, a few small missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Not Draining the Cucumber:
Cucumbers are packed with water. If you skip squeezing out the excess moisture after grating or dicing them, your salad can end up watery and thin. Always pat the cucumber dry or squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel. - Using Watery Yogurt:
Traditional Greek yogurt is thick and creamy — perfect for tzatziki. Regular yogurt or low-fat versions that are too runny can make the dressing soupy. Stick to a thick, strained yogurt for the best texture. - Underseasoning:
Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning! A pinch more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon can make a huge difference in flavor.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun twists:
- Seafood Swap: Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp.
- Vegetarian: Use baked tofu or chickpeas instead of meat.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond milk yogurt, and skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki.
- Low-Fat: Choose low-fat yogurt and go lighter on the olive oil and feta.
How to Serve It
Not sure how to serve your Tzatziki Chicken Salad? Here are a few ideas:
- Pita Pockets: Stuff into warm pita bread with a handful of spinach or arugula.
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Over Greens: Serve over a big bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad bowl.
- Meal Prep Bowls: Add a scoop to meal-prep containers with quinoa, roasted veggies, or olives and hummus on the side.
- Party Platter: Turn it into a fun Mediterranean mezze platter with pita chips, olives, cucumbers, and hummus.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep Tzatziki Separate: If you’re prepping ahead, keep the tzatziki dressing separate and mix just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing isn’t recommended since yogurt-based sauces don’t thaw well and veggies can become watery.
FAQs About Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Can I make Tzatziki Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours when the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the tzatziki dressing separate and mix it in just before serving for the freshest texture.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
The key is to drain the cucumber really well before adding it to the tzatziki. Also, use thick Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt to help the dressing stay creamy.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought tzatziki is a great time-saver. Just look for a good-quality one that’s thick and made with simple, real ingredients.
What kind of chicken works best?
You can use baked, grilled, or even poached chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut for busy days — just make sure it’s not heavily seasoned so it doesn’t overpower the salad’s fresh flavors.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fresh, easy, and healthy meal, Tzatziki Chicken Salad checks all the boxes. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with crisp veggies and tender chicken, and loaded with the bright, tangy flavors of classic Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, whipping up a quick family dinner, or just craving something light and satisfying, this salad is a total win.
Best of all, it’s incredibly flexible — perfect on its own, tucked into a pita, or piled onto a vibrant salad bowl. With just a few simple ingredients and a handful of easy steps, you can have a meal that’s nourishing, delicious, and anything but boring.
Print
Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is fresh, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a light, healthy meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shredded chicken chopped small
- ½ cup 0% Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- few turns cracked black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped small
- sliced English cucumber as needed
Instructions
-
Take the shredded chicken and chop it into easy to eat pieces. Next, thinly slice the cucumber with a mandoline slicer. Set aside.
-
Combine 0% Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, water, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder and freshly chopped dill in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
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Add the chopped shredded chicken to the dressing and toss until well combined. Taste and season accordingly. I like to enjoy my creamy chicken salad piled high on a lightly salted rice cake with sliced avocado and sliced cucumber. Enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Servings
- Calories: 238kcal
