Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-491240H2M26S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped or grated (excess water squeezed out); 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: 1/4 cup diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, or crumbled feta

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a cool, creamy, and refreshing twist on classic chicken salad, made with tender cooked chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy tzatziki-style dressing. I love how this version swaps out heavy mayo for a lighter Greek yogurt base, filled with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or eating straight from the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s healthy, simple, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. The creamy yogurt dressing is bright and herby, and the salad is full of texture from crisp cucumber and tender chicken. It’s great for meal prep, light lunches, or a protein-packed snack. Whether I’m serving it on pita or tossing it with greens, it always feels fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

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

Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
Plain Greek yogurt
Cucumber, finely chopped or grated
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Fresh dill (or dried dill)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Optional add-ins: red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese

Directions

I grate or finely chop the cucumber, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
I add the chopped chicken and cucumber to the bowl and mix until everything is well coated.
I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors blend.
I serve it as a sandwich filling, in lettuce wraps, on pita bread, or over a fresh salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes 20 minutes or less to prepare. It’s great for lunches, picnics, or light dinners.

Variations

I stir in chopped red onion or scallions for a little crunch.
I add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives for a Greek-inspired twist.
I mix in crumbled feta for more creamy, salty flavor.
I swap in rotisserie chicken to save time.

storage/reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes best chilled and does not need reheating. If the yogurt releases water over time, I give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, I mix it with the chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed for a quick shortcut.

What kind of chicken works best?

I use cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. It should be cooled and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and make sure all ingredients are dairy-free.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s best served chilled, but if I use freshly cooked warm chicken, I just let it cool slightly before mixing with the yogurt dressing.

Conclusion

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. I love how creamy and herby it is without being heavy, and how versatile it can be for lunches, wraps, or simple dinners. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness—something I can always count on for a satisfying bite.