Name: Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup grated English cucumber (excess moisture squeezed out); 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves (peeled and grated); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded; 1 cup diced cucumber; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

If you are craving a fresh and flavorful dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying, the Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is your ultimate go-to. This salad perfectly balances creamy Greek yogurt infused with garlic and herbs, tender shredded chicken, and the crispness of cucumber and celery. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean charm, making it a light yet hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you want a quick lunch or a show-stopping picnic treat, this recipe delivers bright, refreshing flavors in record time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven small white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each filled with different chopped or prepared ingredients. At the center is a larger bowl filled with chopped light beige chicken. Surrounding it, starting from the top left and going clockwise, there is a bowl with crumbled pale yellow cheese, a bowl with light yellow broth, a bowl of thick white yogurt, a bowl of white salt, a bowl with finely chopped dark green herbs, a small bowl with minced light yellow garlic, a bowl of ground black pepper, a bowl of finely chopped dark green herbs, a bowl of finely chopped light green celery, and a bowl of chopped green cucumber. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this delightful Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe, you only need simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Every component plays a crucial role—from the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the fresh crunch of vegetables and the fragrant herbs that tie it all together.

Greek yogurt: The creamy base that brings the signature tang and luscious texture to the salad.
Grated English cucumber: Adds cool freshness and subtle moisture; make sure to squeeze out excess water for perfect consistency.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the salad with zesty citrus notes that awaken all the flavors.
Garlic cloves: Grated to infuse a gentle but punchy aroma that complements the herbs.
Fresh dill: Provides a classic Mediterranean herbal touch with a slightly sweet, grassy flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds a grassy freshness and vibrant green color to balance the flavors.
Sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients and deepens the taste profile naturally.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth that rounds out the salad perfectly.
Cooked chicken: Tender, shredded or chopped, it’s the hearty protein that transforms this from a side into a satisfying main.
Diced cucumber: Extra crunch and coolness to complement the creamy dressing and juicy chicken.
Diced celery: Adds a crisp texture and slight herbal bitterness to keep things interesting.
Diced red onion: Brings a little punch and color contrast for a lively bite.
Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and slightly tangy, this cheese adds richness and authentic Mediterranean flair.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing

In a medium bowl, start by mixing the creamy Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber that has been drained of excess moisture. Add in lemon juice to lift the flavors, followed by finely grated garlic, chopped fresh dill, and parsley. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything until the dressing is smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between tangy and herbaceous notes.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Next, add in the chopped or shredded cooked chicken to the bowl with your tzatziki dressing. Follow with diced cucumber, celery, and red onion to infuse crisp texture and freshness. Don’t forget the crumbled feta cheese, which brings salty creaminess that complements every bite. Gently fold everything until it’s well-coated and harmonious. Taste and adjust seasoning with a squeeze more lemon or a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Marry

If you have time, pop the salad in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving. This little rest allows the zesty dressing and fresh herbs to meld with the chicken and vegetables, elevating all the flavors to a delightful level of deliciousness.

How to Serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a chunky salad made of small pieces of light beige chicken mixed with bright green celery bits, finely chopped purple onion, and fresh green herbs. The salad has a creamy texture with visible creamy dressing coating the ingredients. Two gray spoons are placed inside the bowl on opposite sides, partially submerged in the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance this salad by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or even mint on top. Adding a few kalamata olives gives a briny pop while extra crumbled feta adds creaminess and depth. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a silky finish and subtle richness.

Side Dishes

Tzatziki Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or crunchy pita chips for scooping up each luscious bite. It’s also fantastic over a bed of crisp baby greens or served alongside roasted vegetables like peppers or zucchini for a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad stuffed inside pita pockets or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a light and handheld treat. You can also spoon it onto toasted baguette slices as an elegant appetizer or transform it into a hearty sandwich or wrap that travels beautifully for lunches on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing this salad because the fresh cucumbers and yogurt-based dressing don’t freeze well and can become watery or grainy upon thawing. For freezing convenience, store cooked chicken separately and prepare the salad fresh when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If your chicken was refrigerated separately, you can gently warm it before mixing but avoid heating the entire salad so you don’t lose the fresh, crisp quality of the vegetables and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a superb shortcut that makes assembling this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe quick and effortless without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What if I don’t have fresh dill or parsley?

If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried dill or parsley can be used but use sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs, however, give the salad its distinct brightness that’s truly worth including whenever possible.

Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt it for a vegan or dairy-free diet, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and swap feta cheese for a vegan cheese crumble or omit cheese altogether. The salad will still be vibrant and tasty.

How can I prevent the cucumber from making the salad watery?

Squeezing out excess moisture from grated cucumber before adding it to the dressing is key. Also, adding the diced cucumber just before serving or chilling helps maintain the salad’s crisp texture without sogginess.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Definitely! The Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners. Just keep the salad chilled and add any fresh garnishes right before eating to keep everything fresh and bright.

Final Thoughts

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on rotation because it’s quick, nourishing, and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re making a light lunch, a picnic treat, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad never disappoints. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite you’ll happily share with friends and family time and time again.

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need