This tasty Tzatziki Chicken Salad is creamy, refreshing, and super easy to make! With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zingy tzatziki dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
I love serving it on a warm pita or just enjoying it on its own—so simple! Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breasts are essential here, but you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shredded leftovers from a previous meal work too. It saves time and delivers great flavor!
Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the base of your tzatziki. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using low-fat yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary.
Cucumber: A half cucumber adds freshness. You can swap it for a zucchini or even use diced bell peppers if cucumbers aren’t your thing. Just make sure to remove excess moisture to keep your salad from getting soggy.
Dill: Fresh dill gives a bright taste to the salad. If you don’t have fresh on hand, dried dill works in a pinch. Use about one-third of the dried amount since it’s more concentrated.
Pita Bread: I prefer whole wheat pita for added fiber, but white pita or even lettuce wraps can work. If gluten is a concern, check for gluten-free pita options!
How Do I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
The tzatziki sauce is what makes this chicken salad pop! Start with Greek yogurt for that thick, creamy texture. Mixing in finely chopped or grated cucumber keeps it fresh; just be sure to squeeze out the excess water to avoid a watery dressing. Adding minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice gives it that bright flavor.
- Combine the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Season it with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Mix until everything is well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired!
Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely chopped or grated (excess water squeezed out)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 pita breads, warmed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required since you’re using cooked chicken. It’s a quick and easy meal option that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This is where all the fresh flavors come together to create your tzatziki dressing!
2. Season It Up:
Give your tzatziki mixture a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. This will enhance the flavors and make the dressing really pop!
3. Combine with Chicken:
Next, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated in that delicious tzatziki dressing. Make sure every piece gets some love!
4. Prepare the Pita:
Warm the pita breads either in a microwave for a few seconds or in a dry skillet on low heat until they’re soft and flexible. This helps to make them easier to fill without tearing.
5. Assemble Your Pita:
Inside each warm pita, place a few slices of fresh tomato and some rings of red onion. This adds a nice crunch and freshness to your salad.
6. Fill It Up:
Now, spoon the tzatziki chicken salad mixture into the pita pockets on top of the veggies. Pack it in nicely so you have a good balance of everything in each bite!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tzatziki Chicken Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. It’s refreshing, creamy, and absolutely delicious—enjoy your tasty creation!
FAQ for Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the tzatziki mixture.
How Can I Make This Salad Lower in Calories?
To reduce the calorie count, consider using a low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat. You can also use less chicken and add more veggies like lettuce or spinach to bulk it up without the extra calories.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the tzatziki chicken salad in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the tomatoes and onions right before serving to keep everything crisp!
What Else Can I Serve It With Besides Pita?
If you want alternatives to pita, try serving the tzatziki chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens, in wraps, or with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers and bell peppers for dipping. It’s versatile!
