This Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, cucumbers, and tangy dill. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a bowl, and you’ve got a tasty meal ready to go. Perfect for hot days when you want something cool! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped cooked chicken is essential for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftovers, which saves time. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or tofu can work as alternatives.
Greek Yogurt: This gives the tzatziki its creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt. Both options deliver a similar tangy taste.
Cucumber: For the freshest flavor, finely diced or grated cucumber adds crunch. If cucumber isn’t available, zucchini or celery can be used instead. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill. You could also skip it or replace it with parsley or mint for a different take!
Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a nice bite and sweetness. You can substitute green onions or even shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do I Make Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?
The tzatziki sauce is the star of this chicken salad! Making it right can really enhance the dish’s flavor. Here’s how:
- Start by grating the cucumber and squeezing out excess liquid. This helps the sauce stay thick.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with the drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients blend well.
- Add fresh herbs like dill and give it another stir! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
This simple sauce is not only great for this chicken salad but also perfect as a dip! Keep extras in the fridge for future meals.
Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced or grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 2 whole wheat pitas or flatbreads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You can either serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors mingle. In total, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes if chilling time is included!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely diced or grated cucumber, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This creamy mixture will be the base of your tzatziki sauce.
2. Combine with Chicken:
Add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken to the tzatziki mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated with that delicious sauce. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
3. Add Crunch with Red Onion:
Gently fold in the finely chopped red onion. This adds a nice crunch and enhances the flavor profile of the salad. If you love more onion, feel free to add extra slices on top when serving!
4. Prepare Your Pitas:
Lay out the whole wheat pitas on plates. Layer them with fresh tomato slices and a few rings of red onion to get started.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Spoon the tzatziki chicken salad generously over the tomato and onion in each pita. Make sure it’s piled high for a satisfying meal!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the chicken salad immediately or chill it for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy it as a yummy pita sandwich or serve it on a bed of greens for a fresh salad option!
This refreshing chicken salad merges creamy, tangy tzatziki with tender chicken and crisp veggies, creating a quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this tzatziki chicken salad. Just shred or chop the chicken, and you can skip the cooking step altogether, making this recipe even quicker!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead. Alternatively, fresh parsley or mint can also add a refreshing twist if you’d like a different flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again, as the ingredients may settle. If it looks a bit thick, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a little yogurt to loosen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas, diced tofu, or even roasted vegetables. You may want to adjust the seasoning to ensure everything is flavorful!
