Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Tzatziki chicken salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the creamy, tangy elements of tzatziki sauce with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be served on its own, in a pita, or over a bed of greens. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for tzatziki chicken salad

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium breasts)
• 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or 2%)
• 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and grated (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
• Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Prepare the Chicken Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives (if using), and chopped parsley or dill.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine:

• Add the chilled tzatziki sauce to the chicken and vegetable mixture.
• Stir gently to coat all the ingredients with the sauce.

4. Serve:

• Serve the tzatziki chicken salad chilled. It can be enjoyed on its own, over a bed of mixed greens, in a pita pocket, or with some pita chips.

Tips:

• Chicken: For a faster option, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
• Cucumber: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
• Variations: You can add other ingredients such as feta cheese, bell peppers, or olives for additional flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: The salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

This tzatziki chicken salad is a great way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy!