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Fresh Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad – Easy Mediterranean Recipe

creamy tzatziki chicken salad - featured image

This Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a quick, no-cook Mediterranean dish made with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and cucumber. It’s light, tangy, and perfect for lunches, meal prep, or a refreshing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated (about 1 cup grated, then squeezed dry)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Place in a fine-mesh strainer or wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  2. Mix the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the fresh herbs: Stir in chopped fresh dill and mint (if using).
  4. Combine with the chicken: Add shredded or diced cooked chicken to the bowl. Pour the creamy tzatziki mixture over the top and fold gently until every piece is coated.
  5. Fold in the cucumber: Add the squeezed, grated cucumber and fold gently.
  6. Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper. Start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then adjust as needed.
  7. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Spoon onto a bed of greens, into a warm pita, or between slices of crusty bread. Garnish with extra fresh dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Salting the cucumber and squeezing out excess moisture is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery. For best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a thick unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: tzatziki chicken salad, Mediterranean chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, no-cook chicken salad, easy chicken salad recipe