Mediterranean Tzatziki Chicken Salad
🧾 Ingredients (serves 3–4)
For the grilled chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the salad:
- 2 cups cucumber, chopped (crunchy and fresh)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
For the tzatziki dressing:
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken well and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
2. Grill the chicken
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Make the tzatziki
- Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well-drained), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill if time allows—it gets better after 15–20 minutes.
4. Assemble the salad
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and herbs.
- Toss lightly.
5. Serve
- Arrange salad on a platter or bowls.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Spoon generous amounts of tzatziki over the top or serve on the side.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Add romaine lettuce or mixed greens for extra volume.
- Serve with warm pita or flatbread.
- Make it low-carb: skip bread and add extra greens.
- Spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes in the marinade.
⭐ Flavor Profile
- Juicy & smoky from grilled chicken
- Cool & creamy from tzatziki
- Crunchy & fresh from cucumbers and onions
- Bright & tangy from lemon and tomatoes
