Tzatziki Chicken Salad
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing spin on traditional chicken salad, blending juicy shredded chicken with cool cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, and a burst of herbs and lemon.
Inspired by the classic Greek sauce, it’s the perfect chilled dish for wraps, sandwiches, or served on a bed of greens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cool and creamy: Great for warm days or light lunches.
Healthy and high-protein: Greek yogurt and lean chicken make it a clean, satisfying meal.
Bright Mediterranean flavor: Fresh dill, mint, lemon, and garlic bring it to life.
Versatile serving options: Serve it with pita, lettuce cups, or on crackers.
Meal-prep friendly: Make it once, enjoy it all week.
Key Ingredients
Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly.
Greek yogurt: Thick, creamy, and high in protein—acts as the dressing base.
Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness—be sure to squeeze it dry!
Fresh herbs: Dill and mint provide signature tzatziki flavor.
Lemon juice & olive oil: Add brightness and richness to the dressing.
Garlic: Just enough for a punch of flavor without overpowering.
Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 English cucumber, shredded
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the cucumber:
Shred the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Place the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This helps prevent a watery salad.
Make the tzatziki dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Add the chicken and onion:
Toss the shredded chicken and sliced red onion into the bowl. Stir until the chicken is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Chill and serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Serve chilled on pita, in wraps, with crackers, or spooned over a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving, ~1 cup | Makes 4 servings)
Calories: 220 | Protein: 27g | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 460mg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Box grater or food processor (for cucumber)
Clean kitchen towel or paper towel (to drain cucumber)
Knife & cutting board
Measuring spoons
Airtight container (for storing)
Recipe Swaps & Variations
Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt alternative.
Try shredded turkey or canned tuna instead of chicken.
Add veggies: Stir in cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach.
Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Make it a wrap: Spoon into pita, wrap in a tortilla, or serve in lettuce cups.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended—the yogurt and cucumber don’t freeze well.
Meal prep tip: Portion into jars or containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Food & Drink Pairings
Sides: Pita bread, tabbouleh, couscous, or roasted chickpeas.
Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, iced mint tea, or chilled white wine.
Extras: Top with kalamata olives or serve with hummus and fresh veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into keto or low-carb diets when served without bread.
Can I make this with canned chicken?
Absolutely. Just be sure to drain it well and shred it finely for best texture.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount—use about 1 teaspoon dried dill and ½ teaspoon dried mint.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What’s the best way to serve it for a party?
Serve it in a large bowl with mini pita rounds, cucumber slices, and crackers on the side for a Mediterranean-style dip platter.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Be sure to squeeze the cucumber very well—this step is essential. Also, use thick Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! It scales beautifully. Just be sure to use a large bowl and adjust seasoning to taste.
How can I make the flavor stronger?
Add an extra squeeze of lemon, more garlic, or a dash of vinegar for more tang.
Should I use white or dark meat chicken?
Either works. White meat (like breast) keeps it leaner; dark meat (like thigh) makes it juicier and more flavorful.
Can I skip the mint?
Yes—while mint adds a traditional tzatziki note, the recipe is still delicious with just dill.