If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors while staying light and wholesome, you have to try the Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe. This salad masterfully blends juicy, tender chicken with crisp veggies and creamy, tangy tzatziki, making every bite a delightful adventure on your palate. Whether you want a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of protein, freshness, and Mediterranean zest that feels both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the rich, textured, and colorful layers of our Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe. The freshness of the vegetables, combined with the savory chicken and zesty dressing, creates harmony in every forkful.
- 3 chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes): This size ensures even cooking and juicy bites throughout the salad.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: I love using Bertolli extra virgin for its smooth, fruity flavor that nicely coats the chicken.
- 1 tsp oregano: Adds that signature herbaceous Mediterranean punch to the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the freshness of the dish.
- Pepper: Just enough to give a subtle kick and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 4 cups romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it forms the perfect crunchy base for the salad.
- 1 cup tomatoes (halved or sliced): Their juicy sweetness brightens every bite and adds vibrant color.
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced): Provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy tzatziki and feta.
- 1/2 cucumber: Cool and crisp, it adds another refreshing texture to the medley.
- 1/2 cup olives (preferably Mezzetta pitted kalamata): Their salty, briny punch perfectly balances the salad.
- 1/2 cup Greek dressing: Infuses extra layers of flavor and ties the salad ingredients together.
- 2 cups tzatziki: Creamy, garlicky, and tangy, this is the soul of the whole salad.
- 3/4 cup feta (President crumbles recommended): Crumbled for perfect texture and a salty, rich bite that complements the tzatziki.
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped): Adds a lovely, fragrant freshness that elevates the entire salad.
How to Make Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Toss them in olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper—the classic Greek seasoning trio that infuses the chicken with aromatic herbs and savory depth. This simple prep sets the foundation for bold flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken cubes until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside, about 6-8 minutes. The olive oil helps achieve that gorgeous sear, locking in moisture so your chicken remains tender with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Olives
While the chicken cooks, chop your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice tomatoes into 1/2-inch chunks or halves. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons, peel and slice half a cucumber, and gather your kalamata olives. These fresh ingredients bring the vibrant color, crunch, and briny notes essential to the Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe experience.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place the romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked chicken cubes, tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, and olives. Drizzle the Greek dressing over everything and gently toss to combine all the flavors without mashing the tender veggies or chicken.
Step 5: Add Tzatziki and Feta
Spoon the creamy tzatziki generously over the salad and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for that signature salty tang. Finish with fresh chopped dill for a herbaceous lift that makes the dish unforgettable.
How to Serve Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra dill or a few whole kalamata olives make beautiful garnishes that also boost the salad’s flavor profile. A lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a fresh splash of acidity, brightening the whole dish even more.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it with warm pita bread or a side of herby quinoa. Lightly toasted pita triangles are perfect for scooping up the creamy tzatziki and bits of chicken, creating a full Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe in individual bowls lined with large romaine leaves for a pretty, natural bowl alternative. Or fill hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers for a fun twist that’s great for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain freshness, store the tzatziki and feta separately and add them right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and tzatziki, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it will change the texture and flavor. But you can freeze cooked chicken cubes before assembling for quick future meals.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken cubes gently in a skillet or microwave before adding to fresh salad ingredients. Avoid reheating the salad assembled with the dressing and tzatziki, as it’s best enjoyed cold for that refreshing taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine adds crunch and a mild flavor, you can substitute with butter lettuce, arugula, or even mixed greens depending on your preference.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your Greek dressing ingredients and avoid adding pita or other gluten-containing sides.
How spicy is this salad?
This salad has a mild flavor profile with no heat, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to amp up the spice level.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can easily make a vegan version by swapping chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas, replacing feta with a plant-based cheese, and using a dairy-free tzatziki alternative.
What’s the best way to make homemade tzatziki?
Homemade tzatziki is a blend of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water before mixing with the other ingredients for a creamy, fresh sauce to elevate your salad.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to make and savor the Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels both fancy and easy, fresh yet satisfying, and perfectly nourishing for any day of the week. Go on, whip it up, share it with friends, and enjoy every single bite of this vibrant Mediterranean delight!
Print
Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Best Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Featuring tender cube-cut chicken breasts seasoned with oregano and olive oil, combined with a vibrant mix of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and olives. Tossed with creamy tzatziki and Greek dressing, and topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill, this salad bursts with authentic Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Salad Vegetables
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, halved or sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced or diced
- 1/2 cup olives (preferably pitted kalamata)
Dressings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup Greek dressing
- 2 cups tzatziki sauce
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken cooks, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and olives in a large salad bowl.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the Greek dressing and tzatziki sauce over the salad vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Combine and Garnish: Add the cooked chicken onto the salad. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped dill over the top for added flavor and aroma. Toss lightly once again or serve as is.
- Serve: Divide the salad into four servings and enjoy immediately as a refreshing and protein-packed meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, good-quality tzatziki and Greek dressing for best flavor.
- For added crunch, you can toast some pita bread on the side.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with grilled shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste.
