Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad: Healthy & Refreshing Recipe

Name: Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; ¾ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt; 3 tbsp finely shredded seedless cucumber; 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill; 2 small garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp red wine vinegar; Kosher salt & black pepper to taste; ½ cup finely chopped celery; ½ cup finely diced cherry or grape tomatoes; ½ cup finely chopped cucumber; ⅓ cup roughly chopped almonds; ¼ cup finely diced red onion

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Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a delightful, refreshing dish that brings together Mediterranean-inspired flavors in a healthy, protein-packed meal. This easy-to-make chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and offers a satisfying crunch with fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and a boost of protein from the chicken. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a family-friendly dinner, this Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is not just delicious but also practical for busy days. This recipe combines shredded chicken with creamy tzatziki sauce, adding fresh ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and almonds for flavor and texture. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy meal that is both light and satisfying. Packed with 31g of protein per serving, it’s an excellent option for anyone seeking a nutrient-dense, low-calorie dish.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Offers a lean protein source that keeps you full and satisfied.
Greek Yogurt: A rich, creamy base for tzatziki, providing probiotics and healthy fats.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and hydration to the salad.

Dill: Brings that classic tzatziki flavor, enhancing the salad with a fresh, herby note.
Garlic: Adds depth and flavor to the tzatziki.
Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.

Red Wine Vinegar: Offers a sharp, fruity acidity to balance the creaminess of the yogurt.
Celery: Brings an extra crunch and freshness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds color and a burst of sweetness.

Almonds: Provide a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
Red Onion: For a subtle sharpness, adding to the Mediterranean flair.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste, ensuring perfect flavor balance.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to tweak this recipe, here are some alternatives:

Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker, time-saving option.
Non-fat Greek Yogurt: A lighter version of the tzatziki.

Shallots: If you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Feta: Crumbled feta adds a salty and rich flavor to your salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Cover with at least 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Shred the Chicken: After boiling, transfer the chicken to a bowl and shred it using a stand mixer or two forks.
Prepare the Tzatziki: In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt & black pepper. Stir until fully combined.
Combine the Salad: Add the shredded chicken to the tzatziki mixture along with chopped celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, and red onion. Stir until well combined.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it in a pita pocket, on a bed of greens, or as a standalone salad.

Tips & Tricks

Texture Tip: To avoid a watery salad, squeeze out excess liquid from the shredded cucumber before mixing it into the tzatziki.
Flavor Tip: Let the salad chill for a couple of hours or overnight. It only gets better as the flavors develop.

Storage Tip: This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Consider serving it with:

Whole Wheat Pita: A healthy, fiber-filled base to stuff the salad inside.

Arugula or Lettuce: Adds a refreshing, crisp layer to your salad.
Sourdough Bread: For a more filling option, toast some sourdough to serve on the side.
Olives: Enhance the Mediterranean theme with a few olives mixed into the salad.

Feta: A rich, salty addition that pairs wonderfully with the tzatziki.

Make-Ahead Option

This salad is perfect for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge. Prepare it ahead of time for a grab-and-go healthy lunch or snack throughout the week.

The Health Benefits of Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is packed with lean protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, making it a great option for a high-protein diet. The fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and celery add essential vitamins and minerals while keeping the salad light and refreshing. Almonds provide healthy fats, and the absence of mayo makes this recipe lower in unhealthy fats compared to traditional chicken salads. It’s a well-rounded, nutrient-dense dish that supports both muscle building and overall health.

This salad is also a perfect choice for anyone following a Mediterranean diet, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health. With its abundance of fresh, whole foods and the Mediterranean flair of tzatziki, this dish is both a treat for the taste buds and a boost for your health.

Enjoy this delicious Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad as part of a balanced diet and make it your go-to meal for a refreshing, healthy, and satisfying dish!

Conclusion

Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a flavorful and healthy meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick, light lunch. The combination of creamy tzatziki, tender chicken, and fresh veggies creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients. Whether served in a pita or on its own, this salad will surely become a staple in your healthy eating routine!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling my own chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe! It can save you time while still providing a delicious flavor. Use about 2.5 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to replace the boiled chicken breast.

Can I make Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge as the flavors meld together. It’s a great choice for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can I substitute non-fat Greek yogurt in this recipe?

While you can use non-fat Greek yogurt, the salad may not be as creamy. Full-fat Greek yogurt provides a richer texture and more flavor, which is key to the tzatziki sauce. Stick to full-fat for the best result!

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this salad?

Yes! You can customize the Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad to your liking by adding ingredients such as olives, crumbled feta, or fresh parsley. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

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