Description

Tzatziki Chicken Salad, this dish perfectly marries the tender, juicy chicken with a tangy, yogurt-based tzatziki dressing, making it a delightful option for warm weather lunches or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Tzatziki Dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
1 small cucumber, peeled and grated, moisture squeezed out
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Salad Ingredients:

4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color for vibrant appeal)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional for extra flavor)

Suggested Variations:

To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours before grilling.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled zucchini or chickpeas tossed with the same herbs.
Add nuts or seeds, like toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds, for extra crunch and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the salad on a platter, drizzling the tzatziki dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
Consider pairing with warm pita bread on the side for a complete meal experience.

Instructions

Preparing a delicious Tzatziki Chicken Salad involves a few simple steps that will bring out fresh flavors and delightful textures. Follow these easy instructions for the best results.

Gather your ingredients for Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients. You will need cooked chicken breast, Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and mixed salad greens. Having everything on hand ensures a smooth cooking process.

Shred the chicken

Take your cooked chicken breast and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use a fork, your hands, or even a food processor for quicker results. Aim for uniform size to enhance the salad’s texture.

Prepare the tzatziki sauce

In a medium bowl, combine one cup of Greek yogurt with one grated cucumber. Squeeze the cucumber to remove excess moisture before adding it to ensure the sauce doesn’t become watery.

Add flavorings to the sauce

To the yogurt and cucumber mixture, add two minced garlic cloves, two tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, and the juice of half a lemon. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Season the sauce

Season your tzatziki sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a quarter teaspoon of each and adjust according to your preference. This simple step enhances the overall flavor.

Combine the chicken with the sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the tzatziki sauce you just prepared. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce, ensuring each piece gets that zesty flavor.

Prepare the salad base

On a large serving plate or in a bowl, create a bed of mixed salad greens. You can mix arugula, spinach, and romaine for a variety of flavors and textures. This base balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Assemble the Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Now, spoon the tzatziki chicken mixture over the greens. Make sure to distribute it evenly for a beautiful presentation. Optionally, you can garnish with extra dill or lemon slices on top.

Serve and enjoy

Lastly, serve your salad immediately or chill it for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a light meal or a side!

Notes

– Gluten-Free Option: Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens rather than pita or bread to keep it gluten-free.
– Dairy-Free Variation: Use a non-dairy yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy as a base for the tzatziki. Some brands mimic the creaminess of Greek yogurt quite well.
– Low-Carb Version: Skip the added grains and increase the amount of vegetables. Cauliflower rice can serve as a great base without the carbs.

Prep Time: 20mins
Cook Time: 20mins
Category: 505kcal

Nutrition

Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 1408mg
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 85mg