Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad (Healthy, High Protein & Mayo-Free)
If you love the cool, refreshing flavors of a gyro but want something lighter for lunch, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is your new obsession. By swapping out heavy mayonnaise for thick Greek yogurt, we create a creamy, tangy dressing that coats every bite of tender chicken without the guilt. It is bright, herbaceous, and packed with Mediterranean flair.
The star of this dish is the texture. Unlike traditional chicken salads that can feel one-note, this recipe offers a satisfying refreshing crunch from shredded cucumbers and red onions. As seen in the photos, the dill and lemon juice bring a zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess, making it perfect for lettuce cups, pita pockets, or just eating straight from the bowl.
Secrets to the Perfect Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Why It Works
This salad works because it balances moisture with density. The Greek yogurt provides a rich mouthfeel similar to mayo but adds a probiotic tang that pairs beautifully with the salty feta and Kalamata olives. The “flavor bomb” of fresh dill and garlic powder mimics the classic tzatziki sauce profile, infusing the bland chicken with savory depth.
Visually, the key is the shredded consistency. As shown in the image, using shredded chicken rather than large cubes allows the sauce to bind everything together more effectively, ensuring you get a perfect mix of cucumber, onion, and herbs in every single forkful.
Chef’s Tips
- Squeeze the Cucumber: This is the non-negotiable step. Cucumbers are full of water. After shredding them, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze with all your might. If you skip this, your salad will turn into a watery soup within an hour.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For the best texture and convenience, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. The meat is tender and savory, and it shreds easily while warm, soaking up the dressing better than cold, boiled breast.
- Let it Marinate: While you can eat this immediately, letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the garlic and dill to meld with the yogurt, intensifying the flavor profile.
Serve this low-carb delight inside a halved avocado or alongside our homemade sourdough crackers for a satisfying crunch.
Storage
Store leftover Tzatziki Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cucumber and yogurt, some natural separation may occur; simply give it a good stir before serving. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy and cucumber content.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond based) and omit the feta or use a vegan feta alternative. Herbs: If you aren't a fan of dill, fresh mint or extra parsley are wonderful, refreshing alternatives. Protein: This tzatziki base also works incredibly well with flaked tuna or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Ingredients
1 cup (full-fat or 2% preferred for creaminess)
1 cup (about half a large English cucumber)
3 cups cooked, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
1/4 cup, finely chopped
1/4 cup, chopped
1/3 cup, crumbled
2 tablespoons, chopped
1 tablespoon, chopped
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
1/2 teaspoon (or 1 small clove fresh grated garlic)
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much excess liquid as possible.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Add the squeezed cucumber, shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl.
Gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy yogurt dressing.
Taste the salad. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad (Healthy, High Protein & Mayo-Free)
If you love the cool, refreshing flavors of a gyro but want something lighter for lunch, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad is your new obsession. By swapping out heav
Ingredients
Instructions
Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much excess liquid as possible.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Add the squeezed cucumber, shredded chicken, finely chopped red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl.
Gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy yogurt dressing.
Taste the salad. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Box Grater
- Clean Kitchen Towel (for squeezing cucumber)
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
Recipe Tags
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At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
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