This Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix! Juicy chicken meets creamy tzatziki, cucumber, and a sprinkle of herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up! I often make extra so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day—because who doesn’t love leftovers that taste even better? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover grilled chicken works great too! If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead.
Plain Greek Yogurt: This makes the dressing creamy and flavorful. You can use regular yogurt if you need a lighter version but I find Greek yogurt gives a richer taste. For dairy-free, opt for coconut yogurt or any alternative that fits your dietary needs.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add a nice crunch! If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini is a good swap, though make sure to squeeze out excess water if you grate it. Persian or English cucumbers are great choices as they’re milder and have fewer seeds.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright flavor that’s key. If you don’t have fresh, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill. I personally love the taste of fresh herbs in this dish. Fresh parsley or mint also makes a tasty substitute!
How Do You Make Tzatziki Dressing Without a Mess?
Creating the tzatziki dressing is a simple yet crucial step. It enhances the flavor of the chicken salad. Here’s how to make it without any fuss:
- Start with a medium bowl to keep everything contained—this helps prevent spills.
- Grate or finely dice the cucumber. If grating, squeeze out extra moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- Add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice, then mix well until everything is combined. A whisk makes this easier!
- Season your dressing with salt and pepper before adding in the shredded chicken, ensuring even flavor.
Following these steps helps in keeping it tidy while producing a creamy, tangy tzatziki that perfectly coats your chicken!
Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced (or grated and drained)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 2 pita breads or flatbreads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll be mixing, chopping, and assembling everything together quickly. Perfect for a busy weekday lunch or a light evening meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely diced cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until you have a nice, creamy dressing. This tzatziki base is what gives the chicken salad its wonderful flavor!
2. Season the Dressing:
Add salt and pepper to the tzatziki mixture according to your taste. Remember, you can always add more later, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed!
3. Combine with Chicken:
Now it’s time to make it a salad! Add the shredded cooked chicken to your tzatziki dressing and gently stir until all the chicken is well coated. This step is where all the flavors come together!
4. Prep Your Pitas:
If you like, you can warm your pita breads or flatbreads slightly in a pan or microwave. This makes them more pliable and tasty when you wrap your chicken salad.
5. Assemble Your Wrap:
On each pita or flatbread, lay down some sliced tomatoes and red onion rings. This adds a nice crunch and freshness to your salad.
6. Add the Chicken Salad:
Spoon the tzatziki chicken salad generously over the layer of tomato and onion. Make sure to pile it on for maximum flavor with every bite!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Fold your pita over the filling and it’s ready to eat! Enjoy this fresh, creamy, and tangy chicken salad wrap right away. It’s quick, easy, and oh so delicious!
FAQ About Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great and saves time. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced before adding it to the tzatziki dressing!
How Long Will This Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your tzatziki chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the flavors may settle.
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute regular plain yogurt for Greek yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or almond yogurt for a similar creamy texture!
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
You can definitely customize your salad! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrients. Just make sure to keep the flavors balanced with the tangy tzatziki!
