Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Description: A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, all mixed with fresh herbs and spices.

Key Ingredients:

– Grilled or cooked chicken breast, diced
– Tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill)
– Cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– Feta cheese, crumbled
– Red onion, thinly sliced
– Fresh parsley and dill, chopped
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Characteristics:

– Refreshing and light, perfect for warm weather
– Creamy tzatziki sauce adds a tangy and cooling element
– Crunchy cucumbers and red onion add texture
– Feta cheese provides a salty and tangy contrast
– Fresh herbs add a bright and refreshing flavor

Variations:

– Add other Mediterranean ingredients (Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes)
– Use different types of cheese (goat cheese, ricotta, or grilled halloumi)
– Serve as a sandwich filling or wrap
– Make it a vegetarian option by substituting chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant

Ingredients:

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2. 1/2 cucumber, grated
3. 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed
4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6. 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken Salad:

1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2. 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
5. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
6. 1 cup mixed greens (optional)

Instructions:
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, pressed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prepare the Chicken Salad:
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. If using mixed greens, add them to the bowl.
   Combine and Serve:
6. Add the tzatziki sauce to the chicken mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
7. Serve the chicken salad chilled or at room temperature.
8. Enjoy your Mediterranean Delight: Tzatziki Chicken Salad