Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, chopped; 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 3/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cool, creamy, and packed with flavor, Tzatziki Chicken Salad is the refreshing twist on classic chicken salad you didn’t know you needed. With tender chunks of chicken, crisp cucumbers, red onions, and a vibrant homemade tzatziki dressing, this dish is as satisfying as it is healthy. It’s the perfect balance of protein and crunch, all tied together with a herby, garlicky yogurt-based sauce.

Ideal for meal prep, summer lunches, or a light dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired salad comes together in just minutes and offers a delicious way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and full of fresh ingredients that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This dish is a dream for anyone who loves creamy, tangy flavors without the heaviness of mayo. The tzatziki dressing is made with Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and fresh dill, making it light but flavorful. Every bite delivers a cool, crunchy texture from the cucumbers and celery, while the chicken keeps it hearty and satisfying.

Whether you’re eating it with a fork, wrapping it in lettuce, or stuffing it into a pita, Tzatziki Chicken Salad is versatile and downright delicious. It also stores well, making it perfect for lunchboxes or make-ahead dinners.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe is incredibly flexible! You can use grilled chicken, roasted chicken breast, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before mixing it with the tzatziki sauce. The key is to dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces so it mixes well with the dressing and other ingredients.

Ingredients for the Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Every ingredient in this salad plays an important role in creating that fresh, tangy flavor profile:

Cooked Chicken: The protein-packed base of the salad. Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cucumber: Adds crunch and a refreshing coolness that complements the tzatziki.
Red Onion: Brings a slight bite and beautiful color contrast.
Celery: For additional crisp texture and a subtle earthy note.
Greek Yogurt: The creamy, tangy base of the tzatziki. It replaces mayo with a healthier twist.
Garlic: Infuses the yogurt with savory depth.
Fresh Dill: The classic herb in tzatziki, bringing brightness and balance.
Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to lift and freshen the flavors.
Salt & Pepper: To round everything out and enhance the taste.

How To Make the Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Dice the cucumber, red onion, and celery into small, even pieces. You can peel the cucumber if preferred or leave the skin on for extra fiber and color.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add the chopped chicken and diced vegetables to the bowl with the tzatziki. Toss everything together until well-coated and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve and Store Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This salad feeds about 4 people generously. Serve it chilled as a standalone dish, inside pita bread, on top of a salad, or wrapped in romaine lettuce for a low-carb option.

To store, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The yogurt dressing may loosen slightly, so just give it a good stir before serving again.

What to Serve With Tzatziki Chicken Salad?

Pita Bread or Pita Chips

Perfect for scooping or stuffing—a classic pairing with tzatziki-based dishes.

Quinoa or Couscous

A side of fluffy grains adds substance and soaks up the delicious dressing.

Greek Lemon Potatoes

The tangy, herby flavors go hand-in-hand with this Mediterranean salad.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Balance the creamy and savory with sweet, juicy seasonal fruits like melon or grapes.

Hummus and Veggie Platter

Add even more Mediterranean flair with hummus, olives, and crisp raw veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Tzatziki Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just keep it stored in the fridge and stir before serving.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes! Tzatziki Chicken Salad is low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can substitute sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure it’s thick to maintain the creamy texture.

How do I keep cucumbers from making the salad watery?

You can lightly salt and drain the cucumbers before adding them to the salad, or use English cucumbers which have lower water content.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes! This is a perfect recipe to repurpose rotisserie chicken. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in.

Looking for more healthy and easy meal ideas? Check out our Low Carb Lunch Recipes or dive into more Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing and protein-packed **Tzatziki Chicken Salad** is a creamy, tangy twist on a classic. It combines tender chicken with crisp cucumber, red onion, and celery, all tossed in a rich homemade tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or healthy meal prep, this dish is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. If you’re searching for **easy dinner ideas**, **low carb lunches**, or a **healthy snack**, this **easy recipe** has it all.