This Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad is fresh and tasty! It features juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy tzatziki dressing that makes it perfect for a lunch or light dinner.
It’s so quick to whip up that you’ll want to make it every week! I love serving it with pita bread for a fun touch. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs or even cooked rotisserie chicken to save time!
Spices: The paprika, garlic powder, and oregano give the chicken a wonderful flavor. If you’re out of paprika, smoked paprika can add a deeper taste. For a little kick, try adding cayenne pepper to the spice mix!
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is perfect for the tzatziki sauce because it’s thick and creamy. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative works well, just check for a plain flavor.
Veggies: Fresh veggies like cucumber and cherry tomatoes add crunch and freshness. You can substitute cherry tomatoes with bell peppers or even add chopped radishes for a nice zing!
How Do You Make Tzatziki Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
A good tzatziki sauce should be thick and creamy, which is all about the way you prepare the cucumber. It’s important to drain the grated cucumber to avoid a watery sauce. Here’s how:
- Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist and squeeze to remove excess moisture. This makes your tzatziki thicker and prevents it from becoming runny.
- Mix the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice until smooth. Sip into the refrigerator to let the flavors blend before serving.
This method ensures that your tzatziki sauce pairs perfectly with the chicken salad—smooth, flavorful, and refreshing!
Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Salad:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cooked bulgur or couscous (optional, for added bulk)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. You can prepare the tzatziki sauce while the chicken cooks, making it a quick and efficient meal to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then coat them evenly with the spice mixture, making sure each piece of chicken is well covered.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and the juices run clear. Once done, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is well combined. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while you finish preparing the salad.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In your salad bowls, layer the chopped romaine lettuce and sprinkle in the cooked bulgur or couscous if you’re using it. Then, arrange the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced red onion, and parsley on top of the greens.
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle a generous amount of the tzatziki sauce over the salad. You can add more if you love the flavor!
6. Serve:
Enjoy your Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad immediately, either as a light meal on its own or with warm pita bread on the side. Fresh, healthy, and utterly delightful!
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or toppings. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or slice the chicken and toss it into the salad with the other ingredients. Adjust the tzatziki sauce accordingly if you want a bit more flavor!
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a non-dairy option, use coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and plain for the best flavor. You can also use sour cream if you’re not concerned about dairy.
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the tzatziki sauce separate if possible to maintain the salad’s freshness. Reheat the chicken if desired, but it’s delightful cold too!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers, olives, or shredded carrots would make excellent additions. Just make sure to chop everything evenly for a nice presentation.
