Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Tzatziki Chicken Salad transforms ordinary shredded chicken into a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal that's perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. This bright, tangy dish combines the protein-packed goodness of chicken with the classic flavors of tzatziki—cool cucumber, fresh dill, zesty lemon, and creamy Greek yogurt. The result is a satisfying chicken salad that feels light yet filling, with layers of flavor in every bite. Whether tucked into a warm pita, spread on crisp crackers, or served over greens, this versatile recipe offers a delicious break from traditional mayo-based chicken salads.

I first made this recipe when looking for a healthier lunch option during a busy work week. Now it's become a staple in my rotation—my husband even requests it specifically for his work lunches because it's so satisfying without leaving him feeling sluggish in the afternoon!

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken: Provides a convenient protein base; choose one that's lightly seasoned for best results
• Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy, tangy foundation; full-fat offers the richest flavor but reduced-fat works well too
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and authentic tzatziki flavor; English cucumbers have fewer seeds
• Fresh dill: Brings bright, herbaceous notes essential to tzatziki; the fresh version makes a significant difference
• Red onion: Contributes sharp flavor and beautiful color; soak in cold water first to mellow if desired
• Lemon juice: Adds necessary acidity that balances the creaminess; fresh-squeezed provides the brightest flavor
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth; fresh minced garlic is preferable to pre-minced for better flavor
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper work best

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the cucumber properly - Start with one medium cucumber, preferably English or Persian varieties as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. Wash it thoroughly, then cut it in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds if they're particularly watery. Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Gather the corners of the towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove excess moisture. This crucial step prevents your chicken salad from becoming watery. You should extract at least 2-3 tablespoons of liquid from the cucumber. Set the drained, shredded cucumber aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2:

Create the tzatziki base - In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill. The yogurt should be thick and creamy - if you notice any liquid on top when you open the container, pour it off before measuring. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant from the garlic and dill. Add the drained, shredded cucumber to this mixture and stir to incorporate. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 3:

Prepare and incorporate the chicken - Shred approximately 3 cups (about 16 ounces) of rotisserie chicken, removing the skin and bones. Pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces - not too fine and not too chunky. The texture should be consistent throughout for the best eating experience. If you're cooking chicken specifically for this recipe instead of using rotisserie, allow it to cool completely before shredding to prevent the yogurt from breaking down when mixed with warm chicken. Add the shredded chicken to the tzatziki base in the large bowl.

Step 4:

Add remaining ingredients and combine - Finely dice ¼ cup of red onion and add it to the bowl with the chicken and tzatziki mixture. The red onion adds a beautiful color contrast and sharp flavor that balances the creamy dressing. Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold all ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the tzatziki sauce. Be careful not to overmix or stir too vigorously, which can break down the chicken too much. The goal is to have distinct pieces of chicken coated in the creamy sauce with visible bits of cucumber, dill, and red onion throughout.

Step 5:

Chill thoroughly before serving - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, though 2-3 hours is ideal. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the yogurt to slightly firm up, creating a more cohesive salad. Just before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. The flavors tend to mellow slightly during refrigeration, so a final taste adjustment ensures perfect seasoning.

I particularly love how versatile this chicken salad is! My favorite way to serve it is tucked into a warm pita with fresh tomato slices and extra cucumber, but it's equally delicious scooped onto butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. When I'm entertaining, I like to set out a bowl of this chicken salad with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, and vegetable sticks for a build-your-own appetizer that always disappears quickly!

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Perfect Pairings

This bright, Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. The acidic components in the salad complement the creamy chicken perfectly. A handful of warm pita chips or toasted pita triangles provides textural contrast and makes for easy scooping.

If serving as part of a larger spread, consider including other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, tabbouleh, or a platter of roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil. For a refreshing beverage pairing, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a simple cucumber-infused water with a squeeze of lemon.

Creative Serving Suggestions

While delicious in the traditional forms of sandwich or salad topper, tzatziki chicken salad can be presented in numerous innovative ways:

• Stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumber boats for an elegant appetizer
• Spoon it into endive leaves for beautiful, hand-held bites at parties
• Layer it into mason jars with greens, tomatoes, and feta for portable lunches
• Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps with thin slices of red bell pepper for color and crunch
• Serve small scoops on cucumber rounds as a low-carb appetizer option
• Stuff it into avocado halves for a gorgeous presentation and complementary creamy texture

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad has become my go-to solution for busy weeks when I need quick, satisfying meals without a lot of cooking time. There's something magical about the combination of cool cucumber, tangy yogurt, and fragrant dill that transforms simple shredded chicken into something that feels special and intentional rather than just leftovers repurposed. The Mediterranean flavors transport me to sunny coastal cafés, even when I'm just eating at my desk or kitchen counter. Whether you're looking for healthier lunch options, meal prep solutions, or simply a delicious new twist on chicken salad, this recipe delivers on all fronts with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative made from coconut, almond, or soy. Look for a plain, unsweetened variety with a thick consistency similar to Greek yogurt.

→ What's the best way to serve tzatziki chicken salad?

This versatile chicken salad can be served in multiple ways: in a pita pocket with sliced tomatoes and extra cucumber, on a bed of mixed greens, as a filling for lettuce wraps, or with pita chips or crackers for scooping.

→ Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the rotisserie chicken with well-drained canned chicken. You'll need approximately 16 ounces of canned chicken, which is equivalent to the meat from one rotisserie chicken.

→ How important is it to remove moisture from the cucumber?

Removing excess moisture from the cucumber is crucial to prevent the chicken salad from becoming watery. If you skip this step, the tzatziki sauce may become too thin and make the chicken salad soggy.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches.