This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is loaded with zesty herbs, crunchy veggies and packed with extra protein thanks to the Greek yogurt base.
It’s delicious in a pita, wrap, salad or sandwich and comes together in less than 20 minutes making it the perfect summer lunch.
Looking for more Greek summer recipes? Check out my Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad or Bowtie Greek Pasta Salad.
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE TZATZIKI CHICKEN SALAD?
English cucumber – use ½ an unpeeled English cucumber for best results. Grate it on the large side of a box grater and then use a paper towel to squeeze all excess water out.
Greek yogurt – use plain whole Greek yogurt. There are dairy free options (like this one) to make this recipe dairy free.
Garlic – fresh garlic is best, minced or finely chopped.
Fresh dill – adds a zesty fresh taste to the tzatziki base.
Fresh parsley – adds a nice color to the tzatziki chicken salad.
Celery – about 1-2 stalks chopped adds the perfect crunch and fresh flavor.
Red onion – adds a beautiful color, crunch and necessary flavor to balance the tzatziki chicken salad.
Lemon – fresh lemon juice is used to cut the fat of the yogurt and brighten the dish with some citrus flavor.
Rotisserie chicken – this is the perfect option for an easy and quick recipe, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken at home (you’ll need about 2 lbs of any cut of chicken).
HOW TO MAKE TZATZIKI CHICKEN SALAD
Step 1 – Grate ½ an unpeeled English cucumber on the large side of a box grater. Set in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess water then wrap in a paper towel and squeeze out all remaining liquid.
Step 2 – To a large bowl, add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3 – Remove skin from rotisserie chicken and shred. Add to bowl with tzatziki along with chopped parsley, celery and red onion. Mix until everything is combined.
Step 4 – Optional for serving: enjoy on a piece of toasted bread, with crackers, pita chips or inside of a lettuce or pita wrap.
HOW TO SERVE TZATZIKI CHICKEN SALAD
This tzatziki chicken salad is delicious when served:
- In a pita wrap with tomato, red onion and lettuce.
- On toasted bread with tomato, red onion and butter lettuce for an open-faced sandwich.
- Inside of lettuce wraps. I like to use butter lettuce and serve with a pickle spear on the side.
- With any cracker you like or pita chips.
- On top of a mixed green salad.
- Loaded inside of a fresh croissant.
RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
This tzatziki chicken salad can be customized many ways to your liking.
Some ideas:
- Dairy free: sub the Greek yogurt for a lactose-free version and this recipe will be completely dairy free.
- Chicken: season and cook your own chicken (you’ll need about 2 lbs of any cut of chicken you like). Remove the skin and shred or chop it up.
- Red onion: use a pickled red onion instead of raw. Check out this article for how to make your own!
- Mix ins: add olives, grape tomatoes, feta, pepperoncinis, or pickles to your tzatziki chicken salad.
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RECIPE FAQ’S
Yes! You can use any chicken of your choice such as breast or a mix of dark and light meat. Just season 1-2 lbs of chicken, cook it and shred it or chop it up.
It is considered healthy due to the high protein and low-fat content of Greek yogurt which is typically much healthier than other dips out there like ranch or mayonnaise.
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 unpeeled english cucumber grated
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken skin removed and shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup celery (about 1-2 stalks) diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
Instructions
- Grate 1/2 an unpeeled English cucumber on the large side of a box grater. Set in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess water then wrap in a paper towel and squeeze out all remaining liquid.
- To a large bowl, add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Remove skin from rotisserie chicken and shred. Add to bowl with tzatziki along with chopped parsley, celery and red onion. Mix until everything is combined.
- Optional for serving: enjoy on a piece of toasted bread, with crackers, pita chips or inside of a lettuce or pita wrap.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Sub rotisserie chicken for 1-2 lbs cooked and shredded homemade chicken of any cut (breast, thighs or whole chicken).
- Sub fresh herbs with 2 tsp dried herbs.
- If chicken salad sits out for more than 2 hours at room temp then it should be discarded.
Renee says
This is such a great lunch for the work week. It keeps me full until dinner. It’s filled with all the best flavors. And it’s healthy. Thank you!!!
Sierra Georgitsis says
Hi Renee, thank you so much for leaving a review and I’m happy to hear you enjoy this recipe! It’s one of my favorite lunches as well. Take care!
-Sierra