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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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