Breezy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunch Joy

Summers call for refreshing meals that burst with vibrant tzatziki mediterranean chicken salad flavors.

Cool cucumber meets zesty herbs in this light, protein-packed creation.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crisp vegetables and creamy yogurt sauce.

Each forkful delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that transport you straight to coastal Greece.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious and nutritious dish.

Fresh dill and mint add bright, aromatic notes to every bite.

You’ll savor this quick and satisfying meal that promises to become a warm-weather favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and prevents chicken from sticking during cooking.
• Oregano: Adds classic Mediterranean herb flavor with earthy and slightly peppery notes.
• Garlic Powder: Provides robust, aromatic seasoning without fresh garlic's texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning blend.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs Mediterranean seasonings beautifully.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient time-saving option with pre-cooked, tender meat.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for tzatziki with tangy, rich protein-packed texture.
• Cucumber: Adds crisp freshness and signature tzatziki coolness.
• Dill: Bright, feathery herb that complements the yogurt's tanginess.
• Lemon Juice: Provides zesty acidity to balance the creamy tzatziki.
• Garlic: Fresh clove adds pungent depth to the sauce.
• Mint: Optional herb that introduces a refreshing, cooling element.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp addition for textural contrast.
• Olive Oil: Brings smooth richness to the dressing.

Tools To Make Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and getting perfect golden edges.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for dicing ingredients and slicing chicken precisely.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for combining tzatziki sauce and tossing salad ingredients.
• Grater: Helpful for preparing cucumber and other fresh ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring seasonings and spices.

How To Prepare Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Fire Up the Flavor

Drizzle chicken with a zesty Mediterranean seasoning blend, coating every inch with aromatic herbs and a splash of golden olive oil.

• Cook to Perfection

Grill or pan-sear the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and reaches a safe internal temperature, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

• Transform the Chicken

Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces ready for your salad adventure.

• Craft the Creamy Base

Whip together tangy yogurt, crisp cucumber, minced garlic, and fresh herbs to create a luscious tzatziki sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Assemble the Salad

Toss the seasoned chicken with mixed greens, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and drizzle the tzatziki dressing for a Mediterranean masterpiece that’s fresh and fabulous.

• Serve and Savor

Plate your colorful creation and get ready to enjoy a light, refreshing meal that transports you straight to the sunny Greek coastline.

Flavor Tips For Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Herb Infusion Magic: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley to add extra Mediterranean flair and boost the flavor profile of your tzatziki chicken salad.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or white fish for a versatile protein option that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead meals throughout the week.
• Low-Carb Love: Skip the bread or pita and serve over crisp lettuce leaves or spiralized zucchini for a carb-conscious version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Creamy Texture Trick: Pat the chicken dry before shredding to prevent excess moisture and ensure your tzatziki dressing stays perfectly creamy and not watery.

Serving Suggestions For Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Flavor Fiesta Plate: Serve this tzatziki chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and light meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Pita Pocket Paradise: Stuff the chicken salad into warm pita bread, adding extra cucumber and fresh herbs for a handheld lunch that's both satisfying and portable.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a colorful appetizer platter by arranging the tzatziki chicken salad alongside olives, feta cheese, hummus, and crisp pita chips for a festive gathering.
• Wrap Wonder: Roll the chicken salad in a large lettuce leaf or tortilla wrap, garnishing with extra tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of fresh dill for added zest and crunch.

How To Store Mediterranean Delight Tzatziki Chicken Salad

• Smart Meal Rotation: This zesty chicken salad stays fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner prep.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow chicken and tzatziki mixture to reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate chicken and tzatziki components before freezing. Properly stored, chicken can last up to 3 months when sealed in airtight freezer bags.
• Smart Portion Planning: Create individual grab-and-go containers for easy workplace or school meals. Separate wet and dry ingredients to prevent soggy salad syndrome and maintain delicious crunch.

Tangy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This Mediterranean delight tzatziki chicken salad blends Greek flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken combine with creamy tzatziki for a refreshing meal that satisfies Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (470 ml) chicken, shredded or diced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• ½ cup (120 ml) cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
• ½ cup (120 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp (5 ml) dried dill)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat chicken with a vibrant Mediterranean spice blend, massaging olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper deeply into the meat to enhance flavor profile and tenderize the protein.
2. Cooking Technique: Choose an optimal cooking method – grilling, baking, or pan-searing – while maintaining a precise internal temperature of 165F / 75C to ensure food safety and preserve the chicken’s delicate moisture and texture.
3. Cooling and Shredding: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest completely, then meticulously deconstruct into uniform bite-sized pieces using two forks or a sharp knife, creating consistent shreds that will seamlessly integrate with salad components.
4. Alternative Preparation: Rotisserie chicken provides a convenient pre-cooked option that can be instantly shredded and incorporated into the dish, eliminating additional preparation time while maintaining exceptional flavor and texture.
5. Final Breakdown: Ensure each chicken fragment is carefully sized and distributed to guarantee a harmonious blend of flavors and textures throughout the Mediterranean salad, creating a cohesive and delectable culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Massage spices and olive oil deeply into chicken meat, allowing every fiber to absorb Mediterranean aromatics for rich, intense taste experience.
• Cooking Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F/75C, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy, tender texture.
• Resting Technique Matters: Let cooked chicken cool completely before shredding, allowing internal moisture to redistribute and preserve succulent meat quality.
• Shredding Consistency is Key: Aim for uniform bite-sized pieces using two forks or sharp knife, ensuring balanced flavor distribution and professional presentation in salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg