Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This tzatziki chicken salad brings the bright, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The creamy homemade tzatziki sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables for a satisfying meal that works beautifully as both lunch and dinner.

I first created this recipe during a sweltering summer when I couldn't bear to turn on the oven. Now it's become my go to lunch when entertaining friends who always request "that amazing Greek chicken thing" whenever they visit.

Ingredients

• Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides the creamy base for your tzatziki with beneficial probiotics and protein
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to the tzatziki look for firm ones without soft spots
• Garlic Cloves: Infuse the tzatziki with essential aromatic flavor fresh cloves provide the most impact
• Olive Oil: Creates richness and authentic Mediterranean flavor use extra virgin for best results
• Fresh Dill: Brings bright herbaceous notes that define tzatziki use fresh instead of dried whenever possible
• Cooked Chicken: Delivers protein and substance use rotisserie chicken for convenience or grill your own
• Romaine Lettuce: Provides the crisp base choose hearts for sweeter flavor and better crunch
• Grape Tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and color select firm tomatoes with vibrant color
• Pepperoncini Peppers: Contribute mild tanginess and heat ensure they're well drained before adding
• Kalamata Olives: Deliver salty complexity and authentic Greek flavor pit removed varieties save time
• Red Onion: Adds sharp bite and color soak in cold water briefly to mellow if desired
• Feta Cheese: Contributes creamy tanginess and authentic Greek flavor buy block feta and crumble yourself for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tzatziki:

Combine one cup plus two tablespoons of Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Grate half a cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, then squeeze out excess moisture with your hands or a clean kitchen towel. Add the cucumber to the yogurt along with two to three pressed garlic cloves, two tablespoons olive oil, and two tablespoons freshly chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until well combined. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 3 hours before using to allow the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Salad Base:

In a large salad bowl, combine two cups chopped romaine lettuce, one cup halved grape tomatoes, half cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, half cup sliced kalamata olives, and quarter cup chopped red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together until evenly distributed, creating a colorful vegetable base with varied textures and flavors.

Add Protein Layer:

Distribute two cups of chopped cooked chicken evenly over the vegetable mixture. The chicken should be bite sized and can be warm or cold depending on your preference. If using rotisserie chicken, a mix of white and dark meat provides the best flavor balance.

Dress with Tzatziki:

Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken and vegetables. You can either dollop it decoratively on top for presentation or toss everything together for more even distribution of the creamy sauce throughout the salad.

Final Garnish:

Sprinkle half cup of crumbled feta cheese over the entire salad as the finishing touch. The feta adds tangy creaminess and visual appeal with its bright white color against the colorful vegetables.

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The fresh dill in this recipe completely transforms the tzatziki from good to exceptional. I grow dill in my garden specifically for this recipe after discovering how much brightness it adds compared to the dried version. My grandmother from Greece always insisted on treating dill like a vegetable rather than an herb using it generously rather than sparingly.

Make Ahead Tips

The tzatziki sauce actually improves after resting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. The garlic mellows while the herbs infuse the yogurt with their essential oils. Make the sauce up to three days ahead and store in an airtight container. For meal prep, keep all components separate until ready to serve. Store the chicken, chopped vegetables, and tzatziki in separate containers. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and maintains the perfect texture of each ingredient until assembly time.

Substitution Ideas

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. No fresh dill? Mint makes a delicious alternative in the tzatziki. For a dairy free version, coconut yogurt can replace Greek yogurt, though the flavor will be slightly different. Red bell peppers can stand in for pepperoncini if you prefer less heat, while black olives work in place of kalamata in a pinch. The beauty of this Mediterranean style salad is its flexibility while maintaining its fresh character.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tzatziki chicken salad in several creative ways. For a complete meal, stuff it into warm pita bread with extra tzatziki on the side. For a lower carb option, serve in lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice. This salad also pairs beautifully with a side of roasted lemon potatoes or a simple cucumber tomato salad for a feast of Mediterranean flavors. For entertaining, create a build your own salad bar with the components separately arranged on a large platter.

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This Mediterranean inspired dish is a showcase of simple ingredients transformed into an irresistible salad. It's a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, tzatziki sauce actually improves when made ahead! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and intensify overnight.

→ What's the best way to grate cucumber for tzatziki?

Use the large holes of a box grater for cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This prevents your tzatziki from becoming watery.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option. Simply remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and it's ready to use in your salad.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables like eggplant and zucchini. You'll still get plenty of protein and the Mediterranean flavors will remain intact.

→ How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

For best results, store the components separately. The tzatziki keeps for 3-4 days, and the undressed salad ingredients for 1-2 days. Assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

→ What can I serve with this Mediterranean salad?

Warm pita bread, hummus, or a simple tomato-cucumber side salad would complement this dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of lemon-herb rice or quinoa.