If you’re craving a light, refreshing dish that’s hearty enough for lunch or dinner, you’ll absolutely adore this Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad. It’s a zesty, herb-packed salad featuring juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, briny olives, and tangy feta—all in one bowl! This is my go-to for a flavorful Mediterranean adventure, packed with goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Flavor: Every bite combines tangy tzatziki with crisp veggies and savory chicken for pure Mediterranean delight.
- Quick and Effortless: From start to finish, you’ll have a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy days or laid-back evenings.
- Healthy but Indulgent: Packed with protein and fresh produce, this salad is as nourishing as it is crave-worthy (no heavy dressings here!).
- Versatile Serving Options: Scoop it onto pita, pile it over greens, or enjoy as-is—the possibilities are endless and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad is how it relies on wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together in the most flavorful way. Each one plays a starring role—adding creamy texture, pops of color, and layers of taste that make every mouthful exciting.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Acts as the rich, creamy base for authentic tzatziki; 2% or whole milk delivers the most luscious texture.
- Shredded Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and keeps the salad cool and light; squeezing out excess liquid is the trick for a non-watery sauce!
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Brightens up the entire dish with a sunshiny zing; adjust to taste for your ideal tang levels.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Infuses the salad with classic Mediterranean herby flavor; don’t skip for that extra-special lift.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle garlicky notes, keeping the tzatziki smooth and mellow.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste to make all the flavors pop.
- Shredded Chicken: The protein-packed heart of the salad; use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a speedy shortcut.
- Finely Chopped Red Onion: Brings a bit of bite, color, and a gentle sweetness.
- Kalamata Olives: Offer bursts of briny, salty flavor; they’re totally mouthwatering paired with feta.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and slightly crumbly—it’s the cheese that brings it all together.
- Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley: A fresh, green finish that keeps everything bright and balanced.
Variations
This Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad is already a flavor-packed classic, but there’s no reason not to make it your own! Whether you’re tweaking for dietary needs, working with what’s in the fridge, or craving something new, it’s a cinch to customize.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the shredded chicken for canned chickpeas or roasted chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based spin.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, or crunchy radishes for extra color and crunch.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use a thick coconut yogurt and skip the feta, or sprinkle in some dairy-free cheese.
- Herb Swap: Switch out dill for fresh mint or basil to change up the herbal profile; parsley always adds brightness no matter what.
How to Make Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Step 1: Mix the Tzatziki
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (remember to squeeze it dry first!), lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until a creamy, herby sauce comes together—the aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 2: Add the Chicken Salad Ingredients
To the same bowl, add your shredded chicken, chopped red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and parsley. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or big spoon, so each piece gets evenly coated in that luscious tzatziki. Don’t forget to taste, and tweak the salt, pepper, or lemon for your perfect finish.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Your Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad is ready! Tuck it into warm pita, heap it onto crisp romaine lettuce, or pile it into meal-prep containers for a savory lunch you’ll look forward to all week.
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
- Cucumber Prep Is Key: Use a box grater and squeeze out as much moisture as possible; this keeps your tzatziki creamy, not runny.
- Bold on Lemon: Don’t be shy—start with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and add more to taste if you love your salad super zesty.
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut: Pick up a rotisserie chicken or use leftover grilled chicken to save time and add incredible flavor depth.
- Let It Mingle: If you have a few minutes, chill the salad before serving to let the flavors deepen and meld—totally worth the wait!
How to Serve Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! I love to scatter on extra chopped dill, a few more crumbles of feta, and, for a burst of color, some diced cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers. A drizzle of olive oil right before serving gives the whole salad a glossy, appetizing shine.
Side Dishes
This salad is fabulous alongside warm pita bread, lemony roasted potatoes, or a bright tabbouleh. For a more filling meal, pair it with a Mediterranean lentil soup or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette—the flavors play so well with the creamy, tangy notes in the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers as colorful, hand-held boats. Layer it in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches, or build a stunning platter with sliced veggies and pita triangles for dipping. It’s almost too pretty to eat—almost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before serving as the tzatziki can settle a little.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the yogurt-based tzatziki doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed. I don’t recommend freezing, but you can prep and freeze just the shredded chicken in advance if you’re planning ahead.
Reheating
No reheating needed! This salad is delicious chilled or at cool room temperature. If the salad was made ahead or stored, simply stir and enjoy straight from the fridge or let it sit out for 5–10 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have a chance to meld. Just store it in an airtight container and stir before serving.
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What’s the best type of chicken to use?
I love using rotisserie chicken for speed and flavor, but leftover grilled or poached chicken works wonderfully too. Just be sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
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Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, swap Greek yogurt for a thick, unsweetened dairy-free alternative and omit the feta or use a vegan feta substitute. You’ll still get all those bright, zesty flavors!
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Will the cucumber make the tzatziki watery if I prep in advance?
As long as you thoroughly squeeze the shredded cucumber before adding it to the yogurt, your tzatziki will stay creamy even if made ahead. If you notice extra liquid, a quick stir revives the salad perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad, get ready to meet your new favorite meal! It’s simple to make, totally customizable, and bursting with flavors that truly transport you. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen as quickly as it did in mine—enjoy every vibrant, creamy, herb-filled bite!
Print
Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines shredded chicken with a creamy tzatziki sauce, red onions, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
- 2–4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chicken Salad:
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Tzatziki: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Chicken Salad: Add shredded chicken, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley to the tzatziki mixture. Stir until coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve the chicken salad in pitas, on a bed of romaine or mixed greens, or as desired.
Notes
- Use the large holes of a box grater to shred the cucumber.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
