Tzatziki Chicken Salad! This salad combines tender chicken with the creamy, tangy goodness of tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a hearty side dish.
Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lettuce or mixed greens, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then evenly coat them with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
- Add Chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or shred them and add to the salad bowl.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce:
- Dollop the chilled tzatziki sauce over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Add Feta and Herbs:
- Sprinkle feta cheese and fresh parsley over the top of the salad.
- Serve:
- Serve the Tzatziki Chicken Salad over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens if desired, or enjoy it as is.
Tips for Success
- Grate and Drain Cucumber Properly: After grating the cucumber, place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, avocado, or roasted red peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Wrap It Up: Serve the Tzatziki Chicken Salad in pita pockets or wraps for a delicious handheld meal.
- With Grains: Pair the salad with quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
- Add Crunch: Top with croutons, nuts, or seeds for added crunch and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. Whether you’re prepping for the week or hosting a summer picnic, this salad is sure to impress!
Enjoy your homemade Tzatziki Chicken Salad!