Tzatziki Chicken Mediterranean Style

This Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing meal that brings the bright flavors of Greek cuisine right to your table. The tangy yogurt sauce infused with cool cucumber and fragrant herbs perfectly complements tender chicken for a protein packed dish that works beautifully year round.

I first created this recipe during a particularly scorching July when turning on the oven seemed criminal. My family immediately declared it our official summer staple and now I keep a batch in the fridge almost weekly during warmer months.

• Cooked chicken breast provides lean protein and serves as the hearty base
• Greek yogurt creates the creamy tangy foundation that makes this dish special
• Cucumber adds refreshing crunch and authentic tzatziki flavor
• Fresh dill brings that distinctive Mediterranean herb note essential for authentic flavor
• Fresh parsley brightens the entire dish with its clean grassy notes
• Lemon juice adds necessary acidity that balances the creaminess
• Garlic provides aromatic depth just like in traditional tzatziki
• Red onion introduces a gentle bite and beautiful color contrast
• Salt and pepper finish the seasoning profile and enhance all other flavors

How To Make Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Prepare the tzatziki base

Combine Greek yogurt grated cucumber fresh herbs lemon juice and minced garlic in a large bowl. The key here is properly draining your cucumber. After grating wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture which prevents your salad from becoming watery. Stir everything thoroughly until you have a smooth aromatic base.

Add protein and aromatics

Fold in your shredded chicken and diced red onion making sure every piece gets coated in the creamy tzatziki mixture. The chicken should be completely cooled before adding it to prevent the yogurt from breaking. Mix gently but thoroughly until the chicken is evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.

Season to perfection

Add salt and pepper gradually tasting as you go. The amount needed varies depending on how your chicken was seasoned initially. Remember that flavors will develop further as the salad chills so start conservatively with seasoning.

Chill for flavor development

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes though 2 hours or overnight yields even better results. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together creating a more cohesive and complex taste profile.

Serve appropriately

Spoon the chilled salad over crisp greens stuff into pita pockets spread on crusty bread or serve alongside quality crackers for a complete meal experience.

The fresh dill in this recipe completely transforms the flavor profile. I once made it without when I thought I could substitute dried herbs and my husband immediately noticed the difference. That bright herbaceous quality that fresh dill provides simply cannot be replicated and makes this dish truly shine.

Storage Solutions

This chicken salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after the first day making it perfect for meal prep. I recommend giving it a quick stir before serving as some liquid separation may occur naturally with the yogurt. Never freeze this salad as the yogurt and cucumber texture would deteriorate significantly when thawed.

Clever Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a vegetarian version substitute chickpeas or white beans for the chicken. If you prefer a different herb profile try mint instead of dill for a refreshing twist. Boost the nutrition further by folding in diced avocado diced bell peppers or halved cherry tomatoes just before serving. I particularly love adding toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for added texture and nutritional benefits.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this tzatziki chicken salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread toasted naan or as a filling for hollowed tomatoes or cucumber boats for a stunning presentation. For a complete Mediterranean inspired meal serve alongside a simple Greek salad olives and hummus. This also makes an impressive appetizer when spooned onto endive leaves or cucumber rounds for an elegant party presentation.

Cultural Context

Tzatziki originates from Greek cuisine where yogurt cucumber and garlic form the base of this classic sauce. Traditionally served as a cooling accompaniment to grilled meats this adaptation incorporates the protein directly into the sauce creating a complete meal. This preparation honors the Mediterranean diet principles of fresh ingredients simple preparation and balanced nutrition that have been celebrated for generations across Greece and neighboring regions.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they continue to meld together.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and saves preparation time. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat for a convenient shortcut.

→ How do I properly drain cucumber for tzatziki?

After grating the cucumber, place it in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. This prevents your tzatziki from becoming watery and diluting the flavors.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If Greek yogurt isn't available, you can strain regular plain yogurt through cheesecloth for a few hours to thicken it. In a pinch, sour cream can be used, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

→ Can I make this Mediterranean chicken salad dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew-based yogurt. Just ensure it's plain and unsweetened. You may need to adjust seasonings as plant-based yogurts can have different flavor profiles.

→ What are some creative ways to serve this chicken salad?

Beyond the suggested pita pockets or over greens, try stuffing it into hollowed cucumber boats, bell peppers, or tomatoes for a low-carb option. It also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps or spread on cucumber rounds as an appetizer.