Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Tzatziki Chicken Salad is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a side for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make Tzatziki Chicken Salad:

Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
   • Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), and feta cheese (if using).
   • Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
4. Serve:
   • Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the salad, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
   • Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Chicken substitute: You can use grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado for extra crunch and flavor.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the tzatziki sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just keep the sauce stored in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble the salad when ready to serve.

This Tzatziki Chicken Salad is refreshing, flavorful, and packed with protein. It’s a perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, making it a great meal option for any time of day! Enjoy!