Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of Greek flavors and nutritious ingredients, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki dressing, making it both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal option or something quick and delicious, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad will hit the spot.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Steps
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Salad:
- Layer the Greens: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base.
- Add Vegetables: Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Chicken: Place the sliced chicken breasts on top of the salad.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle the chilled tzatziki sauce over the salad.
Serve:
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients with the tzatziki sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for individual preference. Enjoy immediately!
Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Drain Cucumber Well: Ensure the grated cucumber is well-drained to prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery.
- Chill for Flavor: Let the tzatziki sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Variations
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Grilled Chicken: Use grilled chicken instead of skillet-cooked for a smoky flavor.
- Additional Veggies: Add other favorite salad vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado.
Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of vegetables and the creamy, tangy taste of tzatziki. Perfect for a quick meal, it offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Enjoy this delicious salad as a nutritious lunch or dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.
