Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Bowl

There’s something undeniably refreshing and satisfying about Mediterranean flavors, especially when they come together in a simple yet vibrant bowl. The Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Bowl is a perfect example of this a harmonious blend of juicy, tender chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki, crisp mixed greens, tangy red onions, and salty Kalamata olives.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between light and hearty, making it ideal for lunch, a quick dinner, or even meal prep for the week. Inspired by the classic flavors of Greece, it’s easy to assemble, full of wholesome ingredients, and packed with fresh taste that feels both indulgent and healthy.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s effortless but still exciting, colorful yet simple, and downright delicious, this salad bowl is calling your name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mediterranean freshness – Cool, tangy tzatziki combined with vibrant veggies and savory chicken.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or light dinners.
• Healthy and balanced – A great mix of protein, greens, and healthy fats.
• Meal prep friendly – Keeps well in the fridge for a few days, perfect for make-ahead lunches.
• Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or grains for variety and texture.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 2 generous salad bowls

Salad Bowl Components

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie or grilled chicken works well)
• ½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine, or your favorite blend)
• ½ cup sliced red onion
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Salad bowls or plates for serving
• Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, quickly grill or pan-sear boneless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoning simply with salt and pepper. Once cooked through, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Slice the red onion thinly and pit and slice the Kalamata olives. Wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly to keep the salad crisp.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

In each serving bowl, start with a bed of mixed greens. Add the diced chicken evenly on top. Scatter the sliced red onion and Kalamata olives across the bowls. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan – Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use dairy-free tzatziki.
• Add grains – Mix in cooked quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for extra heartiness.
• Extra crunch – Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for texture.
• More veggies – Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or bell peppers add freshness and color.
• Homemade tzatziki – Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill for a fresh twist.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This salad bowl is a symphony of Mediterranean flavors — creamy and cooling from the tzatziki, savory and tender chicken, briny and tangy olives, and a slight bite from the red onions. The mixed greens add earthiness and crunch, making every bite balanced and refreshing.

Drink Pairings:

• Crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc
• Light rosé wine for a refreshing option
• Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or cucumber for a non-alcoholic choice

Side Suggestions:

• Warm pita bread or crusty artisan bread
• Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant
• A light Greek lemon soup (avgolemono) for a complete meal

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

This salad bowl is high in protein and healthy fats, while being moderate in carbohydrates — ideal for balanced eating or light meals.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook chicken and slice onions in advance to save time on busy days.
• Store salad ingredients separately to keep greens fresh; add tzatziki just before serving.
• Keeps well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut and adds great flavor.

Is tzatziki dairy-free?
Traditional tzatziki contains yogurt, but dairy-free versions can be made with coconut or almond yogurt.

Can I prepare this salad bowl for meal prep?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.

What other toppings go well?
Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs are excellent additions.

Cooking Timeline at a Glance

Step	Time
Cook chicken (if needed)	15–20 min
Prep vegetables	5 min
Assemble bowls	5 min
Total	20–25 min

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, layer each component neatly in a clear glass bowl to show off the colors. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the salad for extra brightness.

This salad is also perfect for casual family dinners or lunchboxes — pack the chicken and salad separately from tzatziki to keep everything fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Greek Grain Bowl — Add cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables to the mix.
• Mediterranean Wrap — Wrap the chicken salad with tzatziki in a warm pita for a portable lunch.
• Tzatziki Chicken Pasta Salad — Toss with cooked pasta and chopped veggies for a creamy cold salad.

Ingredient Spotlight: Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is the iconic Greek sauce made from creamy yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s cooling and tangy — the perfect foil to spicy or savory dishes.

Buying Tip: Look for fresh tzatziki with natural ingredients or make your own at home for the best flavor.
Storage: Keeps refrigerated for up to a week. Stir before using if it separates.
Pro tip: Grate cucumber finely and squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use leftover or pre-cooked chicken to speed up prep.
• Keep greens dry and crisp by washing and drying thoroughly or using a salad spinner.
• Add tzatziki right before serving to keep the salad fresh.
• Balance flavors by tasting as you go, especially with olives and onions.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Store cooked chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers.
• Do not freeze tzatziki or fresh greens as they lose texture.
• Salad components stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
400	35g	10g	18g	3g

Conclusion

The Greek Tzatziki Chicken Salad Bowl is a wonderfully fresh, simple, and flavorful meal that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table any day of the week. It’s quick to prepare, nutritionally balanced, and endlessly adaptable perfect for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying dish without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a quick dinner, or a colorful meal prep option, this salad bowl offers a winning combination of juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, and vibrant veggies. Once you’ve made it, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to enjoy fresh Greek flavors with minimal effort and why it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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