Tangy Tzatziki Chicken Salad

A cool, creamy, and zesty chicken salad that comes together in minutes and tastes incredibly fresh. Crisp cucumbers, tender chicken, and a bright lemony yogurt dressing create a light yet satisfying dish that works perfectly for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is quick to prepare and full of clean, vibrant flavors. It’s high in protein, refreshing without being heavy, and naturally satisfying. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing delivers classic tzatziki flavor while keeping everything light and wholesome. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken while adding plenty of crunch and brightness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
3 large cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers, diced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt
2 teaspoons dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 fresh lemon
2 fresh garlic cloves, finely grated
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Add the chopped cooked chicken, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl.

In a separate small bowl, prepare the tzatziki-style dressing by combining the Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Serve right away for a fresh, crisp texture, or refrigerate for one to two hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time (optional): 60 minutes
Total time: 10–70 minutes

Variations

Add chopped fresh parsley or mint for an herby twist.
Stir in diced celery for extra crunch.
Use shredded chicken instead of chopped for a softer texture.
Add a pinch of ground cumin or paprika for subtle warmth.
Serve over mixed greens or inside whole-grain wraps for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Stir gently before serving, as some moisture may release from the cucumbers during storage.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to one day in advance. The flavors actually improve after chilling.

What type of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken works well, including roasted, baked, or poached chicken.

Can I use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, unsweetened coconut yogurt is a great dairy-free alternative.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

If using English cucumbers, peeling is not necessary. For thicker-skinned cucumbers, peeling is optional.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s excellent for short-term meal prep and stays fresh for up to two days.

Can I add olive oil to the dressing?

You can add one to two teaspoons of olive oil if you prefer a richer dressing.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Remove cucumber seeds if they are very watery and avoid overmixing.

Is dried dill as good as fresh?

Both work well. Fresh dill gives a brighter flavor, while dried dill is more concentrated.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s best served cold or chilled for optimal texture and flavor.

What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs well with whole-grain bread, lettuce cups, or fresh vegetables.

Conclusion

Tangy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a simple, refreshing dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and protein-packed chicken, it’s a reliable go-to recipe for busy days when you want something nourishing, light, and delicious.

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