Tzatziki Chicken Mediterranean Salad (Print View)

Refreshing shredded chicken with creamy tzatziki, crisp cucumber, red onion, and optional Mediterranean toppings

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken & Dairy

01 - 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skinless
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 medium cucumber, grated
07 - 1/2 small red onion, diced
08 - Salt to taste
09 - Pepper to taste

→ Optional Add-Ons

10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
12 - 1/4 cup Kalamata or green olives, sliced
13 - 1 small avocado, diced
14 - Spinach or mixed greens for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and gently fold until evenly coated. Add diced red onion and any optional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, or avocado. Mix gently to combine.
04 - Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Serve chilled over a bed of spinach or mixed greens, or enjoy as is.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms boring leftover chicken into something that feels like a vacation on a plate.
  • The yogurt-based sauce keeps everything light but still satisfying enough to silence real hunger.
  • You can make it without turning on the stove, which is a lifesaver on hot days or when you're just too tired.
  • It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled in the fridge overnight.
02 -
  • Skipping the step where you squeeze the cucumber dry will result in a watery, sad salad that slides off your greens, so don't skip it no matter how rushed you are.
  • If you make this in the morning and eat it at night, the flavors deepen and the onion loses its sharpness, making it taste like you ordered it from a fancy deli.
  • Always taste your tzatziki before mixing it with the chicken because once it's all combined, it's harder to adjust the seasoning.
03 -
  • If your rotisserie chicken is heavily seasoned, rinse it lightly under cold water and pat dry before shredding to keep the tzatziki flavors front and center.
  • For an even creamier texture, let the Greek yogurt sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing; cold yogurt can be stiff and harder to fold smoothly.
  • Always add the avocado just before serving because it browns quickly, and nobody wants grey avocado in their beautiful white salad.
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