This refreshing cucumber dill chicken salad is packed with yummy flavors! Made with tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for warm days.
Honestly, it’s so light and tasty that I often find myself sneaking bites straight from the bowl! Just serve it on a bed of greens or in a pita—so easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is the base of this salad. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even leftover grilled chicken. Tofu can be a great substitute for a vegetarian option!
Cucumber: I love using seedless or English cucumbers for their crisp texture. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too; just make sure to scoop out the seeds to keep it from getting watery.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient gives the salad a creamy texture without extra fat. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt for a similar consistency.
Dill: Fresh dill brings an amazing flavor! If you don’t have it, dried dill is a good alternative, but you might need a bit less since it’s more concentrated. Substitute parsley or chives if preferred.
How Do I Make Sure the Salad Stays Fresh and Tasty?
Chilling the salad before serving is vital. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making it even tastier! Follow these tips for the best results:
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid when chilling to keep it fresh.
- When combining the ingredients, avoid over-mixing. You want to keep the cucumbers intact for crunch!
- Serve the salad soon after mixing if you’re adding ingredients like lettuce; they can wilt if left too long.
Enjoy creating your chicken salad and feel free to make tweaks that suit your taste! It’s all about making it your own.
Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably seedless or English cucumber)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, you’ll need around 40 minutes total before savoring your refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped or shredded cooked chicken, diced cucumber, and diced celery if you choose to include it for crunch. This will form the base of your salad!
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper until it’s smooth and well blended. This delicious dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Mix It All Together:
Pour the creamy yogurt dressing over your chicken and cucumber mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or spoon until the chicken is well-coated with the dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste. If you feel it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, go ahead and add a little more to your liking!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with pita bread for a delightful meal!
Enjoy this refreshing, creamy chicken salad that balances the cool crunch of cucumber with the bright herbal flavor of dill!
FAQ: Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice that adds great flavor and saves time. Simply shred or chop it before adding it to the salad.
What If I Don’t Have Dill?
No problem! If fresh or dried dill isn’t available, you can substitute with parsley or chives for a different flavor. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as these herbs can have a milder effect.
Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator, and stir well before serving. The flavors develop nicely overnight!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it becomes too watery, you can drain off some of the excess liquid before serving again.
