Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for easy cooking and tenderness. You can use thighs if you like a juicier option. Additionally, leftover roasted chicken works great in a pinch!

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives tzatziki its creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you might try low-fat yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt for a non-dairy version.

Cucumbers: Fresh cucumber adds a nice crunch. If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini makes a good substitute—just slice it thin! Watch for water content, though, as it should be squeezed dry if you use zucchini.

Herbs: Fresh dill adds rich flavor to tzatziki, but if you don’t have it, using dried dill works well. Some opt for mint for a refreshing twist, which I personally love in the summer!

How Do I Cook Chicken to Make it Juicy and Tender?

Cooking the chicken properly will ensure it’s juicy and full of flavor. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by patting the chicken dry. This helps it sear better.
• Mix olive oil with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor.
• Preheat your pan or grill on medium-high. This gets nice grill marks while keeping moisture inside.
• Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t rush it! Let it develop a nice char.
• Once done, let it rest before slicing. This helps seal in all those juicy flavors!

Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 1 cup cooked bulgur or couscous (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This tasty salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 10-15 minutes to cook the chicken. Allow a little extra time for marinating if you prefer (up to 30 minutes), making this a quick and easy meal to whip up for lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together and rub this flavorful mixture over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be nicely charred and fully cooked through. After cooking, take them off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice them into strips.

3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until well combined, then place it in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to use it.

4. Assemble the Salad:

In large bowls, start layering your salad. Begin with the chopped spinach or mixed greens, then add in the cooked bulgur or couscous (if you’re using it), followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.

5. Add the Chicken:

Now, take those beautifully sliced chicken strips and place them on top of your salad. This adds a hearty protein boost!

6. Drizzle with Tzatziki:

Spoon the tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken and salad. Don’t be shy—this sauce is delicious!

7. Garnish and Serve:

Lastly, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the salad immediately, alongside warm pita bread or lemon wedges for an extra zing!

Enjoy your vibrant, fresh Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad!

FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken work perfectly here. Just shred or slice it up and toss it into the salad. It makes for a quick and easy meal solution!

What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki Sauce?

No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with plain regular yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew or coconut yogurt. Just ensure it’s thick enough for the sauce!

Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?

You can prep many elements ahead of time! Cook the chicken and make the tzatziki sauce a day before. However, for best freshness, assemble the salad just before serving, as lettuce can wilt if left too long.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, drizzle the tzatziki over the salad right before serving!