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This bright, laid-back Tzatziki Chicken Salad is what I make when I’m hungry for something satisfying, protein-heavy, and quick. It mixes up juicy rotisserie chicken with cool, tangy tzatziki, coming together in a snap for a meal that feels like sunny days and takes barely any time at all.
When I first whipped this up, I thought it was way too basic to be a hit. Turns out, I was wrong. One bite and my whole crew was asking for it again and again, especially once the weather started heating up.
Fresh Ingredients List
- Rotisserie chicken: shred it up for easy flavor, just make sure it’s juicy and not dried out
- Red onion: gives crunch, color, and a little bit of mild zing—pick one that feels heavy and is firm when you touch it
- Ground black pepper: sprinkle some for gentle heat, fresh cracked always smells best
- Salt: a bit pulls out all the flavors—fine sea salt works awesome
- Garlic: mince this in for a punch, use cloves that look tight and not sprouting any green
- Lemon juice: a good squeeze adds brightness—always go for freshly squeezed if you can
- Fresh dill: toss in for a herby finish—use the frilly green leaves or if dried, just use a tiny pinch
- Plain Greek yogurt: this keeps it tangy and creamy and adds even more protein—full fat makes it extra rich
- Cucumber: grate it up for a super crisp bite—pick ones that feel hard and have bright skin
Easy Step Guide
- Serve and Store:
- Scoop onto plates, layer on pita, add crackers, or toss over greens if you want something lighter. Pop leftovers in a sealed box in the fridge right away.
- Toss Everything Together:
- Mix carefully so all the chicken gets coated. Taste and toss in more salt or lemon if you want. Chill it in the fridge for a handful of minutes to make it even cooler.
- Shred and Add the Chicken:
- Pull apart your roast chicken into chunks. If you want it lighter, skip the skin. Toss in the red onion with the chicken into the tzatziki.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a big bowl, throw in your squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Stir it all with a spatula till it looks even and creamy.
- Prep the Cucumber:
- Take your grated cucumber, wrap it up in a towel, and squeeze the heck out of it over the sink. This keeps things from getting watery so the salad stays thick.
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The ingredient I drool over most is fresh dill. It instantly brings me back to summers as a kid. My cousins and I would hang outside with a giant bowl of this chicken salad and eat seconds until we were stuffed. It’s total comfort food with a crisp, herby kick.
Keeping It Fresh
Stick your chicken salad in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about five days. If you find extra water at the bottom, just stir it gently before digging in. Don’t let it sit out on the counter—two hours is max, after that it’s no longer safe.
Simple Swaps
If you want it lean, swap out the rotisserie for poached or leftover chicken breast—or even canned chicken if you're in a rush. Fresh dill missing? Just use a bit less dried—since dried is stronger, too much will overpower. Always start small and add more if you like.
Ideas for Serving
Tuck the salad into pita pockets with lettuce and tomato for a lunchtime win, or pile on top of crackers for a grab-and-go snack. You can also serve it on a bed of greens and top with an extra squeeze of lemon for dinner. I love tossing in sliced cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes when they’re handy.
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All About Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a yogurt-based Greek dip that’s tangy and cool—people usually have it as a dip or spooned over grilled meats. Turning it into a chicken salad is a fun twist that packs all those Mediterranean flavors in one easy-to-carry dish. A chilly bowl of this always makes me think of lazy afternoons, beach picnics, and the fun of using fresh herbs from the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I stop my salad from getting watery from the cucumber?
Grab a kitchen towel and squeeze the water out after you grate the cucumber. That way, your salad won’t turn soupy and stays nice and rich.
- → Can I swap out rotisserie chicken?
Yep! Try 450 grams of cooked shredded chicken breast or canned chicken—just use what you've got on hand.
- → What's a tasty way to eat this?
Spoon it cold onto pita pockets, scoop with some crackers, or pile on green salad. Super versatile however you like!
- → How long does it keep fresh in the fridge?
Keep it in a tight container in the fridge and it'll stay good for about five days. Don’t leave it out for too long.
- → Do I have to use fresh dill?
Fresh dill is awesome for flavor, but in a pinch, 0.67 teaspoon dried dill swaps in for 2 tablespoons fresh. No worries!