Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
This salad blends tender grilled (or baked) chicken with crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy homemade tzatziki dressing. It’s protein-packed, full of Mediterranean flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Dressing
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
1 garlic clove, minced
1½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint), chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Salad Base
4 cups romaine or mixed greens, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cucumber, diced
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken and marinate 10–15 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
Grill or pan-sear 6–7 minutes per side, or bake at 200°C (400°F) for ~18–20 minutes, until cooked through.
Slice into strips.
Make Tzatziki Dressing
Mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper until creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
Assemble Salad
In a large bowl or platter, arrange greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
Top with sliced chicken and drizzle generously with tzatziki.
Sprinkle feta and garnish with extra dill or mint.
Notes & Tips
Meal Prep: Cook chicken ahead of time, store separately, and assemble salad fresh.
Low-carb option: Serve as lettuce wraps instead of over greens.
Extra crunch: Add roasted chickpeas, pita chips, or sunflower seeds.
Shortcut: Use store-bought tzatziki if you’re short on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Shred it and toss with tzatziki for a 10-minute version.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki and skip the feta.
Q: What pairs well with this salad?
A: Warm pita bread, lemon rice, or a side of roasted veggies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g