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Fresh Zesty Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Fresh Zesty Tzatziki Chicken Salad - featured image
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A bright, fresh chicken salad featuring creamy homemade tzatziki, tender marinated chicken, and crisp veggies. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into strips or cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or substitute with mint)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Peel and grate the cucumber. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
  4. Prepare the Salad Base: Rinse and dry the salad greens. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and halve the olives if using.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer the mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and olives. Top with the warm chicken pieces.
  6. Dress and Serve: Drizzle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Spoon generous dollops of the chilled tzatziki sauce over the chicken and greens. Toss gently or serve as is.
  7. Enjoy: Taste a bite with all components together and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt if needed.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from grated cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut-based yogurt and omit olives if desired. Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: tzatziki chicken salad, fresh chicken salad, Mediterranean salad, easy chicken salad, healthy lunch, Greek yogurt dressing, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/fresh-zesty-tzatziki-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-flavorful-meals/