Save Pin
This chicken salad with tzatziki dressing totally upgrades any midday meal. The mix is creamy, zippy, and super fresh. Grab it from the fridge when you’re busy—it feels like a little trip to the Mediterranean, no plane ticket needed.
I tried this for meal prep on a Sunday thinking I’d have lunches all week, but my family finished it before Wednesday. Now I just start off with a double batch!
Lively Ingredients
- Red onion: brings pop and crunch Grab the firmest, most colorful one you see
- Rotisserie chicken: shreds easily and makes everything faster Pull the meat when it’s still a touch warm
- Salt and pepper: make the other flavors shine—sea salt and freshly ground pepper are best
- Garlic: gives the salad a tasty bite Use freshly minced garlic for big flavor
- Lemon juice: adds brightness Fresh-squeezed juice lifts everything up
- Fresh dill: gives a herby kick Go for sprigs that look bright green
- Plain Greek yogurt: thickens things up and loads in protein Any variety is fine but full fat feels rich
- Cucumber: finely grate it for juicy crunch Pick firm, unbruised cucumbers
Simple Prep Steps
- Chill and Enjoy:
- Pop the salad in the fridge for at least fifteen minutes. That way, everything melds together. Spoon it into a pita, lettuce leaf, on greens, or pile with crunchy crackers.
- Toss Together:
- Mix your shredded chicken with diced onion and the bowlful of tzatziki. Make sure it’s all coated and you get flecks of herbs and onion everywhere.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from bones and skin, then shred it into bite-sized bits for better sauciness.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir together Greek yogurt, chopped dill, grated cucumber, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a big bowl until it’s all totally smooth.
- Drain Cucumber:
- Take your grated cucumber, wrap it up in a towel or paper towel, and press out the extra liquid over the sink. Keeps your dressing from getting runny!
Save Pin
Fresh dill really makes this pop. If you only have dried, use less—just know it’ll be a bit milder. Fun story: my cousin asked for this how-to after one bite at a picnic, and now it’s a regular at our family parties.
Keeping It Fresh
Store the salad well-covered in the fridge. It’ll taste great for up to five days. If you’re prepping ahead, lay a paper towel over the top before sealing to soak up moisture so it never gets soggy. And if any is out for more than two hours, toss it out.
Swap Ideas
No rotisserie chicken? Use any cooked, shredded chicken breast—or canned chicken if you’re in a rush. Dried dill works if that’s what you have (just add less). Try some fresh parsley or mint for more zip. Dairy free yogurt is a solid switch for anyone skipping dairy.
Save Pin
Serving Favorites
This salad is awesome in pita bread with tomatoes and crisp lettuce. Scoop it up with crackers or pile onto greens for a filling main. For a lighter option, make lettuce wraps that are super tasty and low carb.
Culture Corner
Tzatziki’s Greek vibes bring that cool creaminess you find all over the Mediterranean. Blending herby yogurt with juicy chicken feels like a nod to souvlaki or mezze plates. Classic tzatziki is usually a dip, but in chicken salad form, it’s easy to take on the road.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Could I swap in a different kind of chicken?
For sure! Use whatever cooked chicken you’ve got—breasts, thighs, even canned will work after shredding.
- → What’s a simple way to keep mine thick and not soggy?
Squeeze out all that extra water from the cucumber first. That way, the dressing stays creamy.
- → Don’t have Greek yogurt? What else works?
Plain yogurt is good too, or grab a dairy-free one. The smoothness might change a bit but it’ll still taste awesome.
- → Best things to eat this with?
Slap it on some pita, stuff it in a sandwich, scoop it onto lettuce, or just eat it with crackers or chips.
- → How many days does this stay tasty?
Keep it in the fridge in a closed container and it’ll stay good for three to five days.
- → Can I use dried dill if I’m out of fresh?
Yep! Just use a third as much dried, since it’s stronger than fresh.