Description
TikTok Tzatziki Chicken Pasta is a fresh, creamy, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad made with Greek yogurt tzatziki dressing, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and hearty pasta. This high-protein dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/2 avocado, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Season chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6โ7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest and slice or shred.
3. In a bowl combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the tzatziki Caesar dressing.
4. Chop the cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and chop romaine lettuce and fresh herbs.
5. Place vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
6. Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken to the bowl.
7. Pour the tzatziki Caesar dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
8. If needed, add a splash of lemon juice or water to loosen the dressing.
9. Top with optional ingredients such as feta cheese, avocado, or toasted pine nuts.
10. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for a chilled pasta salad.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for additional protein and fiber.
- This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce Parmesan cheese.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots for more color and nutrients.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving brightens the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg