If you’re craving something cool, creamy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, you need to try this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich! Juicy rotisserie chicken gets tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt dressing loaded with dill, lemon, and cucumber—making it an utterly irresistible lunch (or light dinner) that always feels fresh and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Lighter Take on Chicken Salad: Skip the mayo—this creamy Greek yogurt dressing is refreshingly tangy without feeling heavy.
- Bursting with Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: The cool cucumber, dill, and lemon give each bite brightness and zip you can’t resist.
- Ridiculously Quick and Easy: Rotisserie chicken means almost no cooking, so you’ll have a crave-worthy meal prepped in about 15 minutes.
- Versatile and Picnic-Perfect: Whether stuffed into pita, layered on bread, or scooped over greens, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich is delicious any way you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This crisp, creamy salad relies on everyday ingredients that really shine together. Each one plays a special role in building out the bright flavor, perfect crunch, and luscious texture for the ultimate Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich.
- 1 medium cucumber, finely grated: Adds cool, juicy crunch and classic tzatziki flavor—make sure to squeeze out that extra water so the salad stays thick and creamy.
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: Gives the dressing its signature tang and rich, velvety body—2% or whole milk yogurt works best for creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: The herb that makes tzatziki, well, tzatziki! Fresh dill brings lively, unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of citrus brightens it all up and ties the yogurt and herbs together.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a mellow bite and savory depth—use a microplane for super-fine garlic that melts into the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper: Essential for bringing out all those fresh flavors.
- 1 cooked rotisserie chicken: Effortless, juicy protein—just shred by hand or with two forks; both white and dark meat are delicious here.
- ½ red onion, diced: For crunch and a hint of punchy sweetness that wakes up the salad.
Variations
This recipe is all about simplicity—but it’s endlessly adaptable! Try customizing your Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich based on what’s in your fridge, your dietary goals, or the flavors you love most.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Swap the Protein: Try this salad with poached chicken breast, leftover roast turkey, or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based yogurt and substitute chicken with chickpeas or cubes of baked tofu.
- Go Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for a bit of heat that balances the cooling tzatziki.
How to Make Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich
Step 1: Prep the Cucumber
Start by finely grating your cucumber and—don’t skip this—wrap it in a paper towel or clean tea towel and squeeze out all the excess liquid. This keeps the Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich filling deliciously creamy instead of watery.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Dressing
In a large bowl, mix the grated (and squeezed) cucumber with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until it all looks like a luscious, flecked sauce that smells like summer in the Mediterranean.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Mix
Grab your rotisserie chicken and pull or chop it into bite-size pieces. Add the chicken and diced red onion to your tzatziki sauce. Toss everything together gently until each piece is evenly coated with that creamy, herby dressing.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Serve this gorgeous Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich mixture on slices of fluffy bread, stuffed inside warm pita, over crisp lettuce, or scooped up with crunchy pita chips. Top with extra red onion or fresh tomato for a pop of color and flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze: Removing every bit of liquid from your cucumber is the magic step for a thick, non-soggy salad.
- Herb Power: Use fresh dill if possible—dried dill can work in a pinch, but the flavor is so much brighter when fresh!
- Shred, Don’t Chop: Hand-shredded chicken gives the salad more nooks and crannies for the dressing to cling to—so flavorful in every bite.
- Make Ahead Friendly: The flavors develop even more if you let the salad chill for an hour before serving. Perfect for prepping in advance!
How to Serve Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich, garnish with extra sprigs of fresh dill, thin slices of juicy tomato, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. A few Kalamata olives on the side add even more Mediterranean flair.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crunchy kettle chips, lemony tabbouleh, or a simple side of sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Greek lemon potatoes or a classic soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try mounding the salad into pita pockets with lettuce and tomato, scooping it onto crostini for elegant appetizers, or serving as lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. It’s also stunning spooned over a big platter of greens as a centerpiece salad for brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills—just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this creamy chicken salad doesn’t freeze well—Greek yogurt tends to separate and cucumbers lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!
Reheating
This is a dish meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature—no reheating required! Simply scoop your Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich mixture onto your favorite bread or bed of greens straight from the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast or thigh will work well. Rotisserie chicken simply adds extra convenience and flavor, but homemade roasted or poached chicken is equally delicious in the Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich.
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Is it ok to make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Just store in the fridge in an airtight container, and stir before serving—the dressing may thicken slightly overnight.
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Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
You can, but the mixture will be thinner. If you only have regular yogurt, consider draining it through a cheesecloth for several hours to achieve a thicker, creamier consistency—this makes a big difference for the Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich texture.
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What breads work best for serving?
Pita bread is a classic, but this salad is just as tasty stuffed in soft sandwich rolls, sliced rustic bread, or even croissants for a special touch. For a low-carb option, serve scooped onto crisp lettuce leaves or inside hollowed-out bell peppers.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fresh, vibrant twist on classic chicken salad, this Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich is your new go-to. It’s bursting with flavor, ready in a flash, and guaranteed to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen—give it a try and see why this is a sandwich you’ll come back to again and again!
Print
Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwich is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender rotisserie chicken with a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 medium cucumber, finely grated
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Chicken Salad:
- 1 cooked rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 red onion, diced
Instructions
- Cucumber Yogurt Sauce: Wrap grated cucumber in a paper towel and gently squeeze to remove excess moisture. Combine with Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Chicken Salad: Shred rotisserie chicken into small pieces and mix with the prepared sauce and diced red onions. Toss until coated.
- Serve on pita bread, crackers, pita chips, or over lettuce. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
