The Ultimate Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer Freshness
Summers call for light, refreshing meals that pack incredible flavor into every bite.
This creamy tzatziki chicken salad delivers Mediterranean-inspired goodness that turns an ordinary lunch into a delightful culinary experience.
Tender chicken pieces dance with cool, tangy yogurt and crisp cucumber chunks.
Fresh herbs like dill and mint add bright, zesty notes to each forkful.
The tzatziki-style dressing brings a classic Greek twist that makes this salad stand out from typical recipes.
Crunchy vegetables and juicy chicken create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Whip up this simple yet sophisticated salad and transport your taste buds to the sunny coastlines of Greece.
Fun Mix-Ins for Your Next Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Serving Tzatziki Chicken Salad on Warm Summer Days
Storing Tzatziki Chicken Salad for Lunch or Picnics
FAQs
Yes, tzatziki is a nutritious sauce made with Greek yogurt, which is high in protein, low in calories, and contains probiotics that support digestive health.
Absolutely! While the recipe uses chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs or grilled chicken tenders for similar delicious results.
The combination of Kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce gives this salad its authentic Greek-style flavor profile and ingredients.
Add more protein by increasing the chicken portion, or include additional ingredients like quinoa or chickpeas to boost the salad’s nutritional value and make it more substantial.
Tzatziki Chicken Salad with Cool Mediterranean Flair
Ingredients Needed for Tzatziki Chicken Salad Creation
Main Protein:Salad Base:Dressing and Toppings:Seasoning:Assembling a Tzatziki Chicken Salad Step by Step
Step 1: Fire Up the Grill
Get your grill heated to a sizzling medium-high temperature, ready to transform chicken into a delicious masterpiece.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Lovingly coat chicken breasts with a gentle brush of olive oil, then sprinkle with:Ensure each breast is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side.
You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors before slicing.
Step 4: Build the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, create a vibrant bed of fresh ingredients:Step 5: Add Sliced Chicken
Gently layer the freshly grilled, sliced chicken over the crisp vegetable mix.
Step 6: Dress and Toss
Drizzle Greek salad dressing over the salad and toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a delicious coating.
Step 7: Final Flourish
Top the salad with a generous dollop of cool tzatziki and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy finish.
Tips for Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad Every Time
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Cool Mediterranean vibes meet fresh tzatziki chicken salad, blending Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, and herb-infused chicken in a light, refreshing dish. Zesty flavors and creamy textures make you crave this protein-packed summer classic that sings with Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Vegetables and Salad Base:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 English cucumber (sliced into half moons)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted)
Seasonings and Dressings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup Greek salad dressing
- 2 cups tzatziki
Instructions
- Fire up the grill to 400°F, creating a medium-high heat zone for optimal chicken cooking.
- Coat chicken breasts with a light layer of olive oil, then generously season with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Position chicken on the hot grill, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a golden-brown char.
- Remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and ensures even distribution of juices.
- While chicken rests, prepare the salad base by arranging crisp romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, thinly dice red onion, and chop cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Scatter halved tomatoes, diced onion, cucumber chunks, and briny Kalamata olives across the lettuce.
- Slice the grilled chicken into thin, diagonal strips and arrange on top of the vegetable medley.
- Drizzle the entire salad with authentic Greek dressing, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Finish the dish by dolloping cool tzatziki sauce and sprinkling crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture contrast.
Notes
- Grill chicken to perfect doneness by using a meat thermometer, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Marinate chicken beforehand in Greek yogurt and herbs for extra tenderness and deeper flavor profile.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken as a quick alternative for busy weeknights, saving preparation time without compromising taste.
- Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by replacing lettuce with mixed greens or serving over cauliflower rice for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 322 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.