Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Tzatziki Recipe

Crafting a delightful mediterranean chicken salad with creamy tzatziki brings a burst of sunshine to your dining table.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the Greek islands.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.

Tangy yogurt-based tzatziki adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the grilled protein.

Colorful vegetables provide a nutritious backdrop for this light yet satisfying meal.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through mediterranean cuisine.

Jump in and savor the fresh, zesty combination that will make your taste buds sing!

FAQs About Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

• What ingredients make the Mediterranean Chicken Salad unique?

The combination of feta cheese, olives, fresh herbs like parsley, and the homemade tzatziki sauce gives this salad its distinctive Mediterranean flavor and texture.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes, and contains healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop vegetables in advance. Just add the dressing and tzatziki right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Mediterranean Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.

Why Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki Is So Refreshing

• Quick Prep Champion
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy yogurt-based tzatziki, this dish delivers a balanced meal that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Wonder: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light family dinner. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors will have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe.
• Flexible Flavor Maker: Customize this salad by swapping proteins, adding different herbs, or adjusting spice levels to suit your preferences. It's a versatile recipe that adapts to your culinary creativity.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the main protein source for the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a rich, salty flavor to the Mediterranean dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp and colorful vegetables that provide freshness and crunch to the salad.
• Olives: Briny and flavorful addition that brings a classic Mediterranean touch.
• Parsley: Bright and herbaceous green that adds a fresh, clean taste to the dish.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy and thick base that creates a smooth and tangy sauce.
• Cucumber: Grated to mix into the yogurt for extra texture and coolness.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds depth of flavor to the tzatziki.
• Lemon Juice: Acidic component that brightens the sauce and adds zesty notes.
• Dill: Fresh herb that provides a delicate, aromatic flavor to the tzatziki.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the salad ingredients.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

Step 1: Chop and Dice Chicken and Veggies

Slice the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber into small chunks. Finely chop the red onion. Roughly cut the olives. Crumble the feta cheese. Mince the fresh parsley leaves.

Step 2: Create Zesty Salad Mixture

Toss all the chopped ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Ensure everything is well combined and evenly distributed for maximum flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare Tangy Olive Oil Dressing

Whisk olive oil with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle this vibrant dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to coat every ingredient with the silky dressing.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the salad to serving plates. Top generously with a dollop of cool tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean delight.

Pro Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Dice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Allow chicken to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to maintain the salad's crisp vegetable texture.
• Prepare tzatziki just before serving for the freshest, most vibrant flavor and creamiest consistency.

Variations of Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

• Spicy Herb Chicken Salad: Replace parsley with fresh cilantro and add jalapeños for a zesty kick. Swap tzatziki with a spicy sriracha yogurt sauce.
• Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Use grilled chicken instead of diced. Add grilled zucchini and eggplant for extra smoky flavor. Top with mint leaves.
• Quinoa Power Salad: Mix quinoa into the chicken salad for added protein. Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese. Add roasted pine nuts for crunch.
• Vegan Mediterranean Bowl: Substitute chicken with crispy baked tofu. Use cashew-based tzatziki. Include roasted chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

• Pair with Crisp Assyrtiko Wine: Let the bright, citrusy white wine from Greece complement the Mediterranean flavors with its mineral-rich profile and zesty acidity.
• Serve with Warm Pita Bread: Tear soft, pillowy pita rounds to scoop up the salad and tzatziki, adding a delightful textural contrast and traditional Mediterranean touch.
• Match with Fresh Cucumber Spritzer: Blend cucumber, mint, and sparkling water for a refreshing drink that echoes the salad's cool, herbal notes and cleanses the palate.
• Add Greek Kalamata Olives: Include extra olives on the side to intensify the briny, rich flavor and provide a salty crunch that enhances the chicken and feta combination.

Storage Advice for Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

• Store the chicken salad and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freeze the chicken mixture without tzatziki in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen chicken salad to the refrigerator overnight, allowing slow and even thawing without compromising texture or food safety.
• Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.

Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken salad celebrates fresh flavors and Greek-inspired ingredients with tender grilled chicken nestled among crisp vegetables. Cool tzatziki sauce drizzled over the plate creates a perfect harmony of zesty herbs and creamy textures you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs, Spices, and Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
2. Slice cherry tomatoes and cucumber into delicate, uniform segments to enhance visual appeal and texture.
3. Finely dice red onion to provide sharp, aromatic undertones without overwhelming the salad’s delicate balance.
4. Incorporate kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, creating a rich Mediterranean flavor profile.
5. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous essence throughout the mixture.
6. Create vinaigrette by whisking extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Gently drizzle dressing over salad, carefully tossing ingredients to ensure even coating without bruising delicate components.
8. Prepare tzatziki by straining excess liquid from grated cucumber to maintain creamy consistency.
9. Blend strained cucumber with thick Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice.
10. Season tzatziki with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and achieving a harmonious blend of tangy and herbal notes.
11. Plate salad and crown with a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki, serving immediately for optimal freshness and temperature.

Notes

• Customize the chicken’s flavor by marinating it in lemon, oregano, and garlic before cooking for an extra Mediterranean twist.
• Swap the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s protein content.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat Greek yogurt and selecting a lighter olive oil for the tzatziki and dressing.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this salad a quick weeknight meal, storing components separately to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 232 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg