This Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy chicken and creamy tzatziki sauce, brightened with crisp veggies. It’s perfect for a light meal or a tasty sandwich filling!
Whenever I make this salad, I just can’t help but eat it right from the bowl. It’s a cool treat on hot days, and who doesn’t love a good excuse to have tzatziki? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the heart of the tzatziki sauce, giving it a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use plain low-fat yogurt. I love the intensity of Greek yogurt, but regular yogurt works too!
Cucumber: Finely chopped or grated cucumber adds crunch and freshness. If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini can be a great substitute, but make sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture. I usually peel it to reduce bitterness.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright flavor to the salad. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill will do, but use less since it’s more potent. Personally, I think fresh herbs make a real difference in flavor!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breasts are used here for convenience. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe too. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey, which gives a nice twist!
Pita Bread: Whole wheat pita adds a hearty touch. You can swap it for any bread or wrap you have on hand. Lettuce leaves are a great low-carb option for a lighter version, creating a nice crunch.
How Do I Make the Best Tzatziki Sauce?
The tzatziki sauce is the star of this dish and is simple to make if you follow a few guidelines. Start with quality Greek yogurt for a creamy base. You want it thick, so look for brands that state “strained.”
- Grate the cucumber and lightly squeeze it to remove excess water. This keeps your salad from becoming soggy.
- Mix the yogurt with garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking—don’t skip the lemon juice, as it brightens the dish!
- When mixing in the chicken, do it gently to maintain some texture. You want bites of chicken, not mush!
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this helps all the flavors meld together wonderfully.
Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped or grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
For Serving:
- 2 whole wheat pita breads, warmed
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. If you choose to chill the salad before serving, allow for an additional 30 minutes. So, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total—perfect for a quick and refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to create a smooth tzatziki sauce base. This is where all the flavor comes from, so don’t rush!
2. Combine with Chicken:
Add the shredded cooked chicken to the tzatziki mixture. Gently stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This keeps the chicken nice and moist!
3. Adjust Seasoning:
Once everything is combined, taste your mixture and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. This little step ensures each bite is full of flavor.
4. Prepare the Veggies:
Slice the tomato and red onion thinly. These fresh ingredients add a nice crunch and sweetness to your salad.
5. Assemble the Pita:
Take the warmed pita breads and open them gently. Layer the bottom with slices of tomato and red onion. This adds freshness and helps prevent the pita from getting soggy!
6. Add the Salad:
Spoon the tzatziki chicken salad generously over the veggies inside the pita. Don’t be shy—load it up!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the pita immediately as a delicious sandwich or let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for an extra 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Each way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy this fresh, creamy, and easy chicken salad with a delightful Greek flair! It’s perfect for warm days, picnics, or as a simple lunch. 🍽️
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the tzatziki sauce. It’s a great way to use up extra chicken!
Can I Make the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the tzatziki chicken salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Chilling it for at least 30 minutes can also enhance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated, but note that the pita bread is best stored separately to maintain its texture.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, baby spinach, or even olives for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try using lettuce leaves instead of pita for a delightful wrap!
