Name: Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Infinity g boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Infinity tablespoons olive oil; Infinity teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Infinity cups mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, arugula, spinach); Infinity cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Infinity cucumber, diced; Infinity small red onion, thinly sliced; Infinity cup crumbled feta cheese; Infinity cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; Infinity lemon, juiced; Infinity cup plain Greek yogurt; Infinity cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out; Infinity cloves garlic, minced; Infinity tablespoon olive oil; Infinity tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; Infinity tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

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If there’s one dish I find myself dreaming about on hot days or anytime I need a quick burst of sunshine on my plate, it’s Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki. With juicy, herb-marinated chicken, a rainbow of crisp veggies, briny olives and feta, and a swirl of cool, garlicky tzatziki, this salad brings the flavors of a seaside taverna straight to your kitchen. It’s nourishing, vibrant, and utterly satisfying—just the thing for a leisurely lunch or a fuss-free dinner that never feels boring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how this recipe leans on just a handful of simple ingredients, each one truly earning its place in the bowl. Every item adds a splash of color, texture, or distinctive flavor, so don’t be shy about grabbing the freshest you can find!

Chicken breasts: Tender, protein-packed chicken is the heart of this salad and soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors when marinated.
Olive oil: Acts as both a marinade for juicy chicken and adds richness throughout the whole salad.
Dried oregano: Your classic Mediterranean herb—earthy and aromatic, it turns the humble chicken into something special.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, so everything pops with flavor.
Mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach): The colorful foundation that brings freshness and crunch.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet pops of juiciness—halve them to keep every bite bite-sized and bright.
Cucumber: Adds cool, watery crispness to both the salad and the tzatziki for ultimate refreshment.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right punch of savory bite without overpowering anything.
Feta cheese: Tangy, creamy, and wonderfully salty—foundation of any good Mediterranean salad.
Kalamata olives: Pitted and sliced for that signature brininess and deep purple color.
Lemon juice: Adds freshness and brightness to the salad and the dressing.
Plain Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy base for your homemade tzatziki.
More cucumber, for tzatziki: Grated and well-drained for a tzatziki that’s never watery or bland.
Garlic cloves: Finely minced to infuse garlicky goodness—don’t skimp here!
Fresh dill: Lively and unmistakable, dill is the secret to that classic tzatziki flavor.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start things off by whisking together olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your chicken breasts, making sure each piece is coated in that herby marinade. Pop it all in the refrigerator and let it lounge for at least 30 minutes (if you can wait longer, even better). This step is where the magic happens—the oregano and olive oil infuse the chicken, giving it that unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lay the marinated chicken down and cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until it’s cooked through and those delicious juices run clear. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes—this makes for super-juicy, tender slices later. After resting, slice it into thin, inviting strips that are perfect for topping your salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki

While the chicken is marinating or grilling, it’s time to whip up your homemade creamy tzatziki. Combine plain Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, a spritz of lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, and plenty of fresh dill. Stir it all together until velvety smooth and flecked with herbs—don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper! Let it chill until you’re ready; this gives the flavors a chance to meld into something truly special.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Grab your largest serving bowl and start building your Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki masterpiece. Layer the mixed greens first, then scatter over the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thin red onion ribbons, crumbled feta, and those luscious Kalamata olives. Every ingredient brings its own flash of color and flavor, making the whole bowl completely irresistible.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Dressing

Fan the sliced chicken breasts over the vibrant veggie base, then finish with a generous drizzle of fresh lemon juice. This brightens up the whole salad and subtly unites all those punchy flavors. This is where things start to look so good you’ll want to dive in—almost there!

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while everything is fresh and lively, dolloping your creamy tzatziki over the top (or offering it on the side as a decadent dressing). Every forkful should give you a bit of everything: herby chicken, cool veggies, creamy cheese, and that tangy, dreamy sauce.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh dill, a few more crumbles of feta, and maybe a shower of black pepper can take your Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki from delicious to next-level gorgeous. Don’t hesitate to add a wedge of lemon or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a colorful, zesty finish!

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own but shines even brighter with warm pita, fluffy naan, or a handful of crunchy pita chips on the side. For something more traditional, serve it with a bowl of Greek lentil soup or a platter of stuffed grape leaves—the flavors all play incredibly well together.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try piling your Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki into halved pita pockets for a handheld lunch, or layer it in mason jars for a picnic-friendly presentation. It also works beautifully as part of a bountiful Mediterranean platter, surrounded by roasted vegetables and hummus for a family-style meal everyone will want to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, simply store the chicken, salad veggies, and creamy tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the greens from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just pile your salad together and enjoy!

Freezing

While the fresh veggies and tzatziki aren’t freezer-friendly, you can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken breast. Slice it and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight—it makes whipping up another bowl of Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki super speedy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the sliced chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. I recommend assembling the salad and adding the tzatziki only after the chicken is warm, so everything stays as vibrant and fresh as possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they marinate beautifully in those Mediterranean herbs. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is this Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki good for meal prep?

Definitely. Make the chicken and tzatziki in advance, chop your veggies, and keep everything stored separately until mealtime. The components stay fresh, and assembling lunch or dinner takes just a few minutes.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh dill for the tzatziki?

If fresh dill isn’t handy, dried dill will work—just use a little less, as it’s more potent. In a pinch, a little chopped mint or parsley brings a fresh green note too.

Is there a dairy-free way to make the creamy tzatziki?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond), skip the feta, and the rest of the recipe remains the same. You’ll still enjoy all those bright Mediterranean flavors.

What protein can I use for a vegetarian version?

Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, crispy chickpeas, or your favorite falafel. Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki happily welcomes whatever protein suits your mood or dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, filling, and endlessly flavorful, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Creamy Tzatziki will absolutely hit the spot. Gather your ingredients, get a little creative, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean any day of the week!