Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490029H1M14S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, chopped or shredded; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced or grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, chopped; Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta; Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

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Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad, bursting with the bright, tangy flavors of Greek cuisine. Tender cooked chicken is tossed with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, crisp cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a cool and satisfying dish that I love for lunch, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad takes something as simple as cooked chicken and transforms it into a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. The homemade tzatziki gives it a creamy, garlicky punch without being heavy, and the fresh cucumber and herbs keep everything bright and crisp. It’s protein-packed, naturally low-carb, and easy to serve in a variety of ways—from lettuce wraps to pita sandwiches or even over a bed of greens.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast or thighs, chopped or shredded
Plain Greek yogurt
Cucumber, finely diced or grated
Garlic, minced
Fresh dill, chopped
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: red onion, crumbled feta, cherry tomatoes

Directions

I start by making the tzatziki dressing. In a bowl, I combine Greek yogurt, grated or diced cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
I stir everything together until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
In a larger bowl, I add the cooked chicken and pour the tzatziki sauce over it.
I gently toss the salad until the chicken is evenly coated.
If I’m adding extras like red onion or cherry tomatoes, I mix them in at this point.
I chill the salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
I serve it cold, on its own, in wraps, pitas, or over fresh greens.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time is around 15 minutes, plus optional chilling time of 20–30 minutes for best flavor. No cooking is needed if I’m using pre-cooked chicken, which makes it quick and convenient.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped kalamata olives or crumbled feta for a stronger Greek flavor. When I want a bit more crunch, I mix in chopped celery or red bell pepper. If I’m going dairy-free, I swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative. I’ve also made it with leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for extra smoky flavor.

storage/reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s meant to be eaten cold, I don’t reheat it. I just give it a quick stir before serving, as the tzatziki may separate slightly after sitting.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, I’ve used it when short on time, but I prefer making my own for a fresher taste and more control over the garlic and lemon levels.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I portion it out into containers and enjoy it for lunch over a few days. It keeps well and doesn’t get soggy.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I usually use cooked, shredded chicken breast, but grilled or roasted thighs also work well. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Can I make this low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, this salad is already low in carbs, especially if I serve it in lettuce wraps or over greens instead of bread or pita.

Can I add grains to this salad?

Definitely. I sometimes stir in cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling and turn it into a grain bowl.

Conclusion

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is fresh, creamy, and loaded with Mediterranean flavor. I love how easy it is to make, how versatile it is to serve, and how light yet satisfying it feels. Whether I’m packing lunch or preparing a quick dinner, this salad always leaves me feeling nourished and satisfied.