Description
Mediterranean culinary magic shines through this Tzatziki Chicken Salad, blending Greek yogurt, herbs, and tender chicken into a refreshing symphony of flavors. Cool cucumber and zesty spices dance together, inviting you to savor a light, nutritious meal that transports senses straight to sunny coastal landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (470 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
Tzatziki and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup (120 ml) cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
Salad Components:
- ½ cup (120 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) kalamata olives, sliced
Instructions
- Infuse raw chicken with a robust blend of Mediterranean spices, massaging olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly into the meat for maximum flavor absorption.
- Select your preferred cooking method – grilling, baking, or pan-searing – ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F / 75C to guarantee thorough cooking and tender texture.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest and cool completely, preventing moisture loss and maintaining succulent quality.
- Carefully deconstruct the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a sharp knife, creating uniform shreds or precise cubes that will integrate seamlessly with the salad components.
- If opting for convenience, rotisserie chicken offers an excellent pre-cooked alternative that can be immediately shredded and incorporated into the dish without additional preparation time.
- Ensure each chicken fragment is uniform in size, promoting even distribution of flavors and consistent texture throughout the Mediterranean salad.
Notes
- Marinate chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Choose between grilling, baking, or pan-frying to achieve perfectly cooked chicken, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F/75C for food safety.
- Allow grilled or freshly cooked chicken to cool before shredding or dicing, preventing moisture loss and maintaining juicy texture.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken as a quick time-saving alternative, eliminating cooking steps and reducing overall preparation time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg