Description
How to make creamy Greek tzatziki chicken salad with cucumber, fresh herbs and tender chicken that’s perfect for summer meals and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Tzatziki Components
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salad Additions
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Prepare Cucumber: While chicken cools, dice cucumber and place in a fine-mesh strainer. Salt lightly and let drain for 10 minutes to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
- Make Tzatziki: Combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill in a large bowl. Mix gently until creamy and well combined throughout.
- Shred Chicken: Once chicken is completely cool, shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. This ensures perfect texture that holds the creamy tzatziki sauce beautifully.
- Combine Salad: Add shredded chicken to tzatziki mixture along with red onion, tomatoes, and olives. Fold gently to coat everything evenly without breaking delicate ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Top with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all the wonderful flavors meld together perfectly.
Notes
- Always drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki sauce that ruins the texture.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality and safety.
- Rotisserie chicken can substitute for cooked chicken to save 30 minutes of prep time.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld properly.
- Add feta and herbs just before serving to maintain fresh appearance and texture.
- Serve over lettuce, in pita pockets, or with crispy vegetables for complete meal.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 36g