Tired of bland, heavy chicken salads? This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a game-changer. It swaps heavy mayonnaise for a cool, creamy, and vibrant tzatziki sauce loaded with fresh dill, garlic, and crisp cucumber. It’s a refreshing, healthy, and incredibly flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a light lunch or a simple, satisfying dinner.
We’ve all been there—a chicken salad that promises so much but delivers a watery, underwhelming sauce. The secret to this recipe is in the preparation, ensuring every bite is packed with perfectly balanced, creamy flavor. Get ready to make your new favorite go-to meal.
Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken salad. Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe again and again:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade tzatziki sauce is bright and zesty, packed with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
- Healthy & Light: By using protein-packed Greek yogurt as the base, this recipe is much lighter and healthier than traditional mayo-based salads.
- Quick & Easy: Using a rotisserie chicken makes this dish come together in just minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
The Secret to Perfect, Non-Watery Tzatziki
The number one complaint with homemade tzatziki is that it becomes watery. This happens because cucumbers hold a tremendous amount of moisture. Releasing that water before mixing is the key to a rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
The trick is simple: grate your cucumber, toss it with a pinch of salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The salt will draw out the excess liquid. Afterward, gather the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly until it’s dry. This single step makes all the difference and is the secret to the best Tzatziki Chicken Salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Cucumber: An English or seedless cucumber works best as they have less water content.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Provides the classic, herby taste that defines tzatziki.
- Garlic: A fresh clove, finely minced, adds a pungent kick.
- Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
For the Chicken Salad
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, delicious crunch and a pop of color.
- Celery: For that essential crisp texture.
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)
Making this Greek-inspired chicken salad is incredibly simple. We’ll start by making the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt, and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly with your hands or in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Mix the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, and diced celery.
- Dress and Chill: Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together, creating a much more delicious final dish. This recipe shares a similar flavor profile with our popular Greek Turkey Meatballs.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Skip the Squeezing: As mentioned, removing excess water from the cucumber is crucial for a thick, creamy sauce.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the finished chicken salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors to deepen and come together.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, using high-quality, fresh components like full-fat Greek yogurt and fresh dill will yield the best taste.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to add more garlic for a stronger kick, more lemon for brightness, or more dill if you love that herby flavor.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Chicken Salad
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- In a Sandwich: Serve it on toasted sourdough bread or a fluffy croissant for a classic lunch.
- As a Wrap: Spoon it into a soft pita or tortilla with some fresh lettuce and tomato.
- Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb and gluten-free option, serve scoops in crisp butter or romaine lettuce leaves.
- With Dips and Veggies: Serve it as a dip with pita chips, crackers, and fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and bell peppers. For another refreshing cucumber dish, check out this Cucumber Mozzarella Salad.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
To store, place the chicken salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, so it’s often even better the next day! For meal prep, you can make the tzatziki sauce and prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time, storing them in separate containers. Combine them an hour or so before you plan to eat for the freshest result. If you love these flavors, try our Tzatziki Chickpea Salad for a vegetarian twist!
Recipe Variations to Try
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, briny flavor that works wonderfully.
- Include Kalamata Olives: For an extra taste of the Mediterranean, add some chopped Kalamata olives.
- Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more color and crunch.
- Switch up the Herbs: While dill is classic, fresh mint or parsley would also be delicious additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! For the best results, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce and cook/shred the chicken ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it as fresh as possible.
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
Yes, it’s a fantastic healthy option. It uses protein-rich Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and is packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, making it lower in fat and higher in protein than traditional versions.
It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it in a sandwich on whole wheat bread, in a pita wrap, in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb meal, or as a dip with pita bread, crackers, and fresh veggies.
Shredded rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option. However, you can also use baked or poached chicken breasts that have been cooled and shredded for a leaner choice.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
If you’re looking for another great way to use grilled chicken, our Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic. Or for a different take on salad, try our amazing Summer Kale Salad.
We hope you love this creamy and refreshing Tzatziki Chicken Salad! It’s a recipe we’re sure you’ll come back to time and again. If you make it, please let us know what you think in the comments below and consider sharing it on Pinterest!
Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Tzatziki Chicken Salad: A Creamy, Refreshing Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grate the cucumber and place it in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and let it stand for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly in a clean kitchen towel or with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. This is your tzatziki sauce.
- In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, and diced celery.
- Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Serving: Delicious in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or as a dip with pita chips.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint to the tzatziki sauce.
