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Avatar photoZoey Sinclair

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

A light yet satisfying meal featuring juicy, herb-marinated chicken with cool, creamy Greek yogurt tzatziki dressing loaded with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Fresh, healthy, and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for chicken marinade
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice for chicken marinade
  • 2 cloves garlic minced for chicken
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt 240g
  • 0.5 cucumber grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice for tzatziki
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for tzatziki
  • 1 clove garlic minced for tzatziki
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste for tzatziki
  • 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup sliced cucumber
  • 0.25 cup Kalamata olives pitted
  • 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese optional

Equipment

  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Box grater
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Large serving bowl

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown with nice char marks and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cube into bite-sized pieces.
  3. While chicken cooks, grate cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, then squeeze firmly in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture (about 2 to 3 tablespoons of liquid).
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large serving bowl, combine chopped greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta if using. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle generously with tzatziki dressing. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Serve immediately for best texture contrast, or refrigerate for 10 minutes if you prefer everything chilled.

Notes

Use leftover grilled chicken for quick meal prep. Dry cucumber well to keep dressing thick and creamy. Make it a wrap by spooning into pita or flatbread. Add crunch with toasted pita chips or roasted chickpeas. Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.