Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad blends the refreshing flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, tangy pepperoncini, salty kalamata olives, vibrant red onion, and crumbly feta cheese, this salad is a light yet satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The cool yogurt-cucumber dressing is infused with garlic, dill, and olive oil, creating a fresh and zesty complement to the savory salad ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Tzatziki Dressing
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the tzatziki dressing: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), pressed garlic, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix dressing thoroughly: Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of chopped romaine lettuce.
- Add the remaining salad ingredients: Stir in 2 cups of cooked chopped chicken, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini peppers, sliced kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress and toss the salad: Pour about three-quarters of the prepared tzatziki dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, being careful not to over-mix. Add more dressing if desired.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The cucumber should be grated and then squeezed dry to avoid excess liquid in the dressing.
- The dressing can be prepared a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- For added freshness, garnish with extra dill or mint if desired.
- This salad is best served immediately after assembling to maintain crispness.
- Leftover dressing can be stored refrigerated up to 3 days.
