Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad recipe features tender shredded chicken mixed in a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs. Enhanced with kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley, this salad offers a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired flavor perfect for sandwiches, pita pockets, or served over greens.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk Greek yogurt recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out with paper towels
- 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 cooked 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
- Prepare Tzatziki: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber (with excess liquid squeezed out), freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped dill, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a smooth and flavorful tzatziki sauce.
- Mix Chicken Salad: Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped flat leaf parsley into the bowl with the tzatziki. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the tzatziki dressing.
- Season to Taste: Taste the chicken salad mixture and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to balance flavors according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the tzatziki chicken salad in pita pockets, over romaine or mixed greens, or use as a spread or topping as desired. Enjoy immediately or chill for later serving.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from cucumber to prevent watery salad.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to balance the tartness of the tzatziki.
- Vegetarian option: omit chicken and add more veggies or chickpeas.
- Pairs well with warm pita bread, fresh greens, or as a sandwich filler.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
