Tzatziki Chicken Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad swaps mayo for a bright, creamy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, fresh herbs, and lemon. It comes together in minutes and tastes even better after a quick chill—perfect for sandwiches, pitas, or a light lunch over greens.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1 English cucumber, shredded

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

• 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain the cucumber
Place the shredded cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This prevents the salad from becoming watery.

2. Make the tzatziki dressing
In a large bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

3. Assemble the salad
Add the shredded chicken and sliced red onion to the bowl. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill and serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Serving Ideas

• Stuff into pita bread with lettuce and tomato

• Pile onto crackers or toasted bread for a quick snack

• Serve over a bed of mixed greens with cucumber slices and olives

• Use as a filling for wraps or sandwiches

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Swap the herbs: If you don’t have fresh dill and mint, substitute with 1½ teaspoons dried dill and 1 teaspoon dried mint, or use all dill for a slightly different flavor.

• Extra crunch: Add diced cucumber or bell pepper for more texture.

• Dairy-free option: Use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Enjoy this light, flavorful twist on classic chicken salad—perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy meal.