This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
I love how it’s so quick to make! Just toss everything together, and you have a tasty meal in no time. Plus, if you have leftovers, they’re even better the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover grilled chicken. For a vegetarian option, substitute with chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Greek Yogurt: Authentic Greek yogurt gives the tzatziki a creamy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, go for coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Full-fat yogurt offers a richer taste, while low-fat is lighter.
Cucumber: Grated cucumber adds crunch and freshness. You can use any type of cucumber, such as English or Persian. If you don’t have cucumber, try zucchini as a substitute, but be sure to drain the moisture.
Dill: Fresh dill elevates this salad with its aromatic flavor. If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill works in a pinch. Personally, I love using fresh herbs to brighten up any dish!
How Do I Make the Perfect Tzatziki Sauce?
Making the tzatziki sauce is a key part of this salad. You’ll want to give attention to how you prepare the cucumber, as that affects the sauce’s texture. Start by grating the cucumber and then make sure to drain it well. This prevents the sauce from getting watery.
- After grating, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- Combine the cucumber with yogurt, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and seasoning. Stir until everything is well blended.
- Let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together; this makes a big difference!
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tzatziki chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to make and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. You can enjoy it warm or cold, whichever you prefer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and forms a creamy tzatziki sauce.
2. Mix in the Chicken:
Add the shredded chicken into the tzatziki mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken is completely coated in the tzatziki sauce, making it tasty and flavorful.
3. Prepare the Pita Breads:
Warm the whole wheat pita breads slightly. You can do this by placing them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two. This will make them soft and easier to fill.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Take a warm pita and fill it with a generous portion of the tzatziki chicken salad. On top, layer in the sliced tomato and red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tzatziki chicken salad either warm or cold, based on your preference. Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal with family and friends!
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt. Just be sure to choose a variety that has a similar consistency!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover tzatziki chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep the pita separate, they will last longer, around a week, in a sealed bag at room temperature!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, spinach, or even olives for an extra burst of flavor. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to fit nicely in the pita!
How Do I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
If you want to make this tzatziki chicken salad gluten-free, simply replace whole wheat pita breads with gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Just make sure to double-check that all your ingredients are gluten-free as well!
