A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad featuring a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful toppings like Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and pepperoncini. This light yet satisfying salad is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Mediterranean flavors – Creamy tzatziki, tangy feta, and briny olives create a deliciously fresh combination.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Healthy and protein-packed – Greek yogurt-based dressing and chicken make this a nutritious choice.
- Customizable – Easily adapt with different greens, proteins, or toppings.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh and flavorful when stored properly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, pressed garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped red onion.
- Add the Chicken: Layer the chopped cooked chicken over the salad base.
- Dress with Tzatziki: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce over the salad and chicken.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Swap the protein: Try grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make it a wrap: Serve in a whole wheat pita or tortilla for a handheld meal.
- Use different greens: Substitute romaine with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
- Add a crunch: Toss in some toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tzatziki dressing separate for best freshness.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer warm chicken, store it separately and reheat before adding to the salad.
FAQs
How can I keep the salad fresh for meal prep?
Store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating. Keep the tzatziki dressing in a small container to add fresh flavor when ready to serve.
Can I make the tzatziki dressing ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken all work well.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Absolutely! While homemade has a fresher taste, store-bought tzatziki is a great time-saving option.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes, this salad is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots make great additions.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about half the amount, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
What’s a good substitute for pepperoncini?
Banana peppers or pickled jalapeños provide a similar tangy flavor.
Can I turn this into a pasta salad?
Yes! Mix the ingredients with cooked and cooled pasta for a heartier dish.
Conclusion
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing, vibrant Mediterranean toppings, and tender chicken, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a salad, wrap, or meal-prep option, it’s sure to become a favorite!
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Tzatziki Chicken Salad
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with creamy tzatziki dressing, juicy tomatoes, crisp romaine, and flavorful toppings like Kalamata olives, feta, and pepperoncini. It’s a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it as a salad, wrap, or meal prep option!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, pressed garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until smooth.
2️⃣ Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini, olives, and red onion.
3️⃣ Add the Chicken: Layer the chopped cooked chicken over the salad.
4️⃣ Dress with Tzatziki: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce over the salad and chicken.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For meal prep, store the tzatziki dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.
- Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or turkey for variety.
- Use dried dill (½ the amount) if fresh isn’t available.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
