This Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp cucumber, and fresh herbs. It’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how quick it is to whip up. Just mix everything in one bowl and you’re set! Serve it on a salad or in a sandwich—so flexible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: For this recipe, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch!
Greek Yogurt: This is the base of your tzatziki sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could swap in regular yogurt. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt work too, but they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Cucumber: I like to finely dice or grate the cucumber for a balanced texture. If you don’t have fresh cucumber, shredded zucchini (drained) can work as a substitute.
Fresh Dill: Dill gives this salad its signature flavor. If you’re not a fan, swap it for fresh parsley or mint for a different twist!
Red Onion: I prefer the mildness of red onion, but feel free to use green onions or even sweet onion for a milder flavor.
How Do I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
Making a creamy tzatziki sauce is easy with just a few key steps. First, combine yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, diced cucumber, and onion in a bowl. This mix is where your flavor comes from!
- Make sure to drain excess water from the cucumber. Grating and then squeezing the pulp in a cloth can help!
- Mix everything well so that every bite of chicken gets that yummy tzatziki flavor.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper—don’t skip this part, as it really brings out the flavors.
How to Make Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced (or grated and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (plus extra slices for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 2 whole wheat pita breads or flatbreads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and simple! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation. Just mix, assemble, and enjoy your delicious chicken salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, diced cucumber, and chopped red onion. Give it a good mix until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be your base for the chicken salad and gives it that tasty tzatziki flavor!
2. Combine the Chicken:
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the tzatziki sauce. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste—this is key to enhancing the flavors!
3. Warm the Pita Breads:
Gently warm your whole wheat pita breads in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes them nice and soft, perfect for filling!
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
On each pita bread, lay down some sliced tomatoes and top with extra red onion slices for a crunch. Then, spoon a generous serving of the tzatziki chicken salad right on top!
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your easy tzatziki chicken salad right away as an open sandwich or wrap it up for a tasty handheld meal. It’s refreshing, creamy, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this creamy and refreshing salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken work perfectly. Just shred it up and mix it into the tzatziki. It’s a great way to use leftovers!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the tzatziki chicken salad a few hours in advance! Just keep it covered in the fridge and assemble with the pita breads right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt will work too, though it might be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tzatziki chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the pita bread separate to avoid it getting soggy!
