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!