This Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a cool and refreshing dish! Made with tender chicken, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for a light meal.
I love how quick this salad comes together—just mix everything in a bowl! It’s a fun way to enjoy chicken and feels extra fancy with that dill flavor. You can serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I suggest using rotisserie chicken for convenience! You can also use leftover chicken from another meal. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or tofu can work well as substitutes.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add crunch. If you can’t find them, zucchini can be a fun substitute, though the texture will differ. Make sure to remove seeds, whichever you choose, for a less watery salad.
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for our dressing! Feel free to use plain yogurt if preferred, or even a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option. Adding a touch of mayo can give it a richer flavor if you like.
Dill: Fresh dill has a bright flavor. If you can’t find fresh, dried dill is a great alternative, but use less since it’s more potent. Some people enjoy using fresh parsley or chives instead!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Is Flavorful?
To elevate the flavors in your chicken salad, it’s important to properly season and chill it. Here’s how:
- Ensure to taste as you go—season with salt and pepper after mixing all ingredients.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing it to sit for at least 20 minutes in the fridge lets the flavors blend beautifully.
- Use fresh lemon juice. It brightens the dish and balances the creaminess of the yogurt.
Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably peeled and seeded)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, whole or low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional, for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken salad takes about 10 minutes of preparation time. You’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving so the flavors can come together nicely. So, in total, you can have this ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Main Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your cooked chicken breast, diced cucumber, and the optional diced celery. This is where all the crunchy goodness begins!
2. Add the Creamy Dressing:
Next, add the Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, and the lemon juice into the bowl. The yogurt will create a deliciously creamy dressing that holds everything together.
3. Mix Everything Together:
Using a spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the yogurt mixture so each bite is tasty!
4. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season your salad. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to your liking, and give it another gentle mix to distribute the flavors.
5. Chill and Let It Meld:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 20 minutes. This step is important as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, your chicken salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it on its own, over a bed of fresh greens, or in a sandwich or wrap for a light, delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal is perfect for this salad. Shredded rotisserie chicken is also an excellent choice for quick prep!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the flavor.
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and blend even better by the next day!
What if I Don’t Have Dill?
No worries! If you don’t have dill, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or chives for a different herb flavor. If using dried herbs, be sure to use less since they are more concentrated!
