Description
Mediterranean delight tzatziki chicken salad blends Greek flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and herb-marinated chicken create a light, refreshing meal perfect for summer dining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup (237 ml) Greek yogurt
- ½ cup (118 ml) cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- ½ cup (118 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (59 ml) red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (59 ml) kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup (59 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried dill
- 1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Herb-Infusion: Massage chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cooking Preparation: Grill, bake, or pan-fry chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F / 75°C, ensuring complete and safe cooking.
- Chicken Transformation: Cool chicken slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces, with rotisserie chicken serving as a convenient alternative.
- Tzatziki Crafting: Whisk Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, creating a smooth, tangy base.
- Flavor Enhancement: Blend in minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until the sauce achieves a creamy, harmonious consistency.
- Salad Composition: Combine chicken with cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant Mediterranean medley.
- Dressing Integration: Pour tzatziki sauce over the mixture, gently folding to ensure uniform coating and flavor distribution.
- Serving Suggestion: Chill briefly to meld flavors or serve immediately. Present in lettuce wraps, pita bread, as a sandwich filling, or enjoy as a standalone salad.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Texture: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure herbs and spices adhere perfectly, creating a more flavorful and crispy exterior when cooking.
- Prevent Sauce Watering: Remove excess moisture from grated cucumber by squeezing through cheesecloth or paper towel, preventing tzatziki from becoming runny and maintaining a creamy consistency.
- Temperature Control: Let chicken cool for 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and prevent tzatziki sauce from breaking down when mixed, ensuring a cohesive and appetizing salad.
- Diet Flexibility: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for vegan version, or use Greek yogurt substitute for lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining the recipe’s authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg