If you’ve been craving something fresh but still filling, Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe to the rescue. You know those days when you want lunch to feel kind of fancy… but you also don’t have time for anything that requires more than one cutting board and a pep talk? Same.
This is the chicken salad I make when I want bright, Mediterranean flavor without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone. It’s creamy (thank you, Greek yogurt), crunchy (hi, cucumber and red onion), and salty-savory in the best way (kalamata olives + feta = little flavor fireworks). And because we’re using shredded chicken, it’s also the perfect “I have leftovers and I’m not afraid to use them” meal.
Let’s make magic—with chicken.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Fast and low-drama. Mix, stir, eat. No complicated steps or mystery ingredients.
- Light but satisfying. Greek yogurt keeps things creamy without feeling heavy.
- Meal-prep friendly. It holds up well in the fridge (hello, tomorrow’s lunch).
- Picky-eater approved (often). You can keep the “strong flavors” like onion or olives on the side if needed. Yes, I see you, moms.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this salad sing. Simple ingredients, big personality:
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy, tangy base that makes everything taste bright and fresh.
- Shredded cucumber (squeezed dry!): Crunchy and refreshing—just don’t let it waterlog your bowl.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds zing and keeps the whole thing lively.
- Fresh dill (chopped): The classic tzatziki flavor that makes it taste like a Greek vacation… even if you’re eating at your desk.
- Garlic powder: A gentle garlicky kick. (Fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling bold.)
- Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper: The simple duo that wakes up everything else.
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked—whatever makes your life easier.
- Red onion (finely chopped): Sharp crunch and pretty color.
- Kalamata olives (chopped): Salty, savory Mediterranean flavor.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Tangy little pockets of joy throughout the salad.
- Flat-leaf parsley (chopped): Fresh, green, and makes the bowl look extra inviting.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Base
In a large bowl, stir together:
- Greek yogurt
- shredded cucumber (squeezed really well)
- lemon juice
- dill
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Mix until creamy and herby. Taste right here—this is your flavor foundation. Want more brightness? Add another squeeze of lemon. Need more “oomph”? A pinch more salt does wonders.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Mix-Ins
To your tzatziki base, add:
- shredded chicken
- red onion
- kalamata olives
- feta
- parsley
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. You want it creamy, colorful, and dotted with feta like little salty snowflakes.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give it one more taste (this part is non-negotiable).
- More lemon for tang? Do it.
- More pepper for bite? Absolutely.
- More feta because you’re having that kind of day? I support you.
Step 4: Chill (Optional, But Worth It!)
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes if you can. The flavors mingle and get even better. But if you’re hungry now, I won’t tell anyone if you grab a fork immediately.
My Best Tips (So It Stays Creamy, Not Sad)
- Squeeze that cucumber like it owes you money. Excess water is the #1 reason this salad turns runny.
- Use rotisserie chicken for peak convenience. It’s juicy, flavorful, and saves time.
- Chop mix-ins small. Smaller pieces = better bites and more balanced flavor.
- Go easy on onion if your crew is sensitive. You can soak chopped red onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow it out.
And if your salad looks a little “too thick” at first—don’t panic. After chilling, it relaxes and becomes extra scoopable. Kind of like us after we finally sit down.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
This recipe became my go-to after one of those weeks where everything felt like a sprint—work, errands, laundry that magically multiplies. I had shredded chicken in the fridge and a lonely cucumber rolling around in the crisper drawer like, “Hello? I still exist.”
I mixed it up, took one bite, and immediately felt like I had my life together. (Was that true? Debatable. But the lunch was amazing.) Now it’s one of my favorite “reset meals”—fresh, easy, and just fancy enough to make an ordinary day feel better.
Serving Ideas
This salad is super flexible—dress it up or keep it simple:
- In pita or naan with extra cucumber slices
- Over greens for a quick lunch bowl
- With crackers for snack-plate energy
- Stuffed in a wrap with spinach and tomatoes
- On toast (trust me—this is underrated)

FAQs About Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes! Fresh grated garlic gives stronger flavor. Start small—about ½ clove, then taste. Garlic can go from “yum” to “I can taste my future” very quickly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. If it releases a little moisture, just stir before serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut). The flavor will change a bit, but it can still work—just aim for something tangy and not watery.
What if I hate olives?
No problem. Skip them, or swap in chopped pickles or capers for that salty pop.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe actually gets better after it sits, which is rare and beautiful—like finding matching socks.
The Happy Bite You’ll Want Again and Again
When you need something quick, fresh, and satisfying, Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re doing lunch right. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and it works for everything from busy weekday lunches to weekend snacking straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
If you make it, I’d love for you to treat yourself to that first forkful slowly—because this salad is proof that easy food can still feel like a little celebration.
Keep the Mediterranean Vibes Going
- If you loved the creamy, cool yogurt vibe in this bowl, you’ll probably want to try Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad next—it’s the same sunny flavor family, just a fun twist for your weekly lunch rotation.
- Craving something warm and cozy after all that fresh crunch? Spoon up Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma for that garlicky, spiced goodness that feels like takeout… but made in your own kitchen.
- Want an easy “wrap it and run” meal for busy days? These Mediterranean Chicken Wraps are perfect when you need dinner to happen fast (and still taste like you tried).
- If feta is your love language (same), don’t miss Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki—they’re super family-friendly and amazing for meal prep.
And hey—if you make this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe, come back and leave a quick review! Tap your stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and tell me how it went (and what fun twists you added). Your feedback helps other readers pick their next delicious meal!
Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe is creamy, bright, and super fresh—Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon, feta, and olives tossed with shredded chicken for an easy lunch or meal prep win.
Ingredients
-
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
-
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
-
1 cup shredded cucumber, squeezed very dry
-
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (more to taste)
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, finely grated)
-
1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
-
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
-
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
-
1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
-
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
-
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
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Make the tzatziki base: In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and combined.
-
Add the mix-ins: Stir in shredded chicken, red onion, chopped kalamata olives, feta, and parsley.
-
Taste and tweak: Add more lemon, salt, pepper, or feta as you like.
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Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes for the best flavor. Serve in pita, wraps, over greens, or with crackers.
Notes
Squeeze the cucumber well so the salad stays thick and creamy (not watery).
For a milder onion flavor, soak chopped red onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
Serving ideas: pita pockets, lettuce cups, sandwich bread, or a big salad bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad , Lunch
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg