This Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a light and refreshing meal. It combines crunchy cucumbers, fresh dill, and creamy Greek yogurt for a tasty twist on a classic dish!
I love how simple this salad is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you have a perfect lunch or snack. Bonus: it’s so good that I might just eat it straight from the bowl! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, chickpeas or canned tuna could work as substitutes for a similar texture!
Cucumber: English cucumbers are fantastic because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, but any variety works. If you want extra crunch, try adding a diced bell pepper or zucchini instead.
Greek Yogurt: I prefer plain whole-fat or 2% Greek yogurt for its creaminess. You can swap it with regular plain yogurt or even cottage cheese if you’re looking for a different texture. For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut yogurt.
Dill: Fresh dill offers a bright flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried dill will do! Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Salad is Flavorful?
Getting the flavors just right in a chicken salad is all about balancing the ingredients. Start by seasoning each layer: sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken before mixing, as well as in the final blend.
- Mix your dressing (Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard) in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution before adding.
- For an extra flavor boost, let the salad chill in the fridge. This helps meld the ingredients, making it even tastier!
- Garnish with extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika before serving for that beautiful finish.
Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, preferably full-fat or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 small celery stalk, diced (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So in just under an hour, you can have a refreshing meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your cooked chicken breast and diced cucumber. The chicken can be either chopped or shredded based on your preference; both work perfectly!
2. Add Flavorful Components:
Next, add in the Greek yogurt, fresh dill (or dried dill if that’s what you have), any diced celery, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if you like a hint of tang). This mixture will be the creamy dressing for your salad!
3. Mix It Up:
Using a spatula or a fork, gently mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined and the chicken and cucumber are nicely coated in the yogurt dressing. You want every bite to be flavorful!
4. Season to Taste:
Give your salad a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, it’s all about making those flavors pop!
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together, making your salad even tastier!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your chicken salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it on a bed of crisp lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a delightful snack. The options are endless!
Enjoy this fresh, creamy, and herbaceous chicken salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or snack!
FAQ for Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient and tasty option. Just chop or shred the chicken as you normally would before mixing it into the salad.
How Long Does This Chicken Salad Last in the Refrigerator?
This chicken salad can last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you prefer not to use Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with plain regular yogurt or even cottage cheese for a different texture. For a dairy-free option, try using almond or coconut yogurt.
