Ingredients
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
- ½ cup grated English cucumber
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken Salad:
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 3 tablespoons pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber for dressing: Grate an English cucumber using the larger holes of a grater. To remove excess moisture, place the grated cucumber onto 2 to 3 layers of paper towels and squeeze well to drain liquid.
- Make the tzatziki dressing: In a large bowl, add the plain Greek yogurt. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until well incorporated. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated cucumber, garlic powder, chopped parsley, dill, mint, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set the dressing aside.
- Treat the red onion: Finely chop the red onion and place it into a small fine mesh strainer. Rinse under very hot water for 45 seconds, then repeat with cold water. This process mellows the strong bite of the raw onion.
- Prepare the cucumber for salad: Slice a cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Cut the cucumber halves into ¼ to ½-inch pieces.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In the bowl with the tzatziki dressing, add the finely chopped rotisserie chicken, diced cucumber, chopped kalamata olives, rinsed red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir until all ingredients are fully coated in the dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with additional crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs if desired. Serve the salad as is, with crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping, or spread it on sliced bread for a delicious sandwich.
Notes
- To reduce moisture in the grated cucumber, squeezing is essential for a creamy, thicker tzatziki.
- Rinsing the chopped red onion helps mellow its sharpness, creating a more balanced flavor.
- Feel free to adjust herbs like dill, mint, and parsley according to taste preferences.
- This salad can be served immediately, but letting it chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for convenience.
- Great for meal prep as it holds well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
