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Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad: Easy 15-Minute Dinner

creamy tzatziki chicken salad - featured image

This creamy tzatziki chicken salad is a quick, no-cook weeknight dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill, it’s bright, herbaceous, and perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 large rotisserie chicken or 3 cooked chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 medium English cucumber, grated
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for salting cucumber
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Salt and drain the cucumber: Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Toss with ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl, then transfer to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl or sink. Let sit for 10 minutes. Press down with a spoon or your hands to squeeze out excess liquid.
  2. Prep the chicken: While cucumber drains, shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Whisk or stir until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or garlic as needed.
  4. Combine everything: Add shredded chicken and drained cucumber to the bowl with the dressing. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  5. Season and rest: Add black pepper and additional salt if needed. Stir once more, then let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve or store: Spoon onto bread, stuff into pita, pile onto lettuce cups, or eat straight from the bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Don’t skip salting and draining the cucumber—it prevents the salad from becoming watery. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture. Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This salad is even better the next day. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: tzatziki chicken salad, quick chicken salad, no-cook dinner, rotisserie chicken recipe, Greek yogurt chicken salad, 15-minute dinner, healthy chicken salad