This refreshing chicken salad is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. It features crispy cucumbers and a creamy dill Greek yogurt dressing that makes every bite tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for the salad. It’s great for using up leftovers. If you need a faster option, rotisserie chicken works perfectly too. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch!
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add crunch and hydration. If you want a twist, try using diced bell peppers for a pop of color. English cucumbers are also a good choice since they have fewer seeds.
Greek Yogurt: This is the key for creaminess! You can substitute plain yogurt if you want a lighter option or use mayonnaise instead for a richer taste. I prefer full-fat Greek yogurt for the best flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill is my favorite here; it really brightens the dish. If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill works just fine—just use less since it’s more concentrated.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a nice zing. You can also use vinegar like apple cider or white wine vinegar if you’re out of lemons.
How Do I Mix Everything Without Making a Mess?
Mixing this salad is super easy, but doing it carefully helps avoid a mess. Here’s how:
- In a large bowl, add your cooked chicken and diced cucumber. If using celery, add it now for that nice crunch.
- In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and veggies. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir, allowing everything to mix without squashing the ingredients.
- When seasoning, add salt and pepper gradually and taste as you go to achieve the flavor you like.
Chilling the salad helps meld all the flavors and keeps the ingredients crisp—so don’t skip that step!
Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped (optional, for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a tasty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced or shredded cooked chicken and diced cucumber. If you’re using celery for extra crunch, toss that in too. This salad is all about easy mixing, so don’t worry about it being perfect!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure it’s well combined!
3. Coat the Chicken and Veggies:
Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken and cucumber mixture. Now, gently stir everything together with a spoon or spatula, ensuring all the pieces are covered in that delicious dressing. Be gentle so you don’t break up the chicken too much!
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper to your liking. You can taste it at this point and adjust the lemon juice or dill if you want more flavor. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the salad even more refreshing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the salad onto bread for a sandwich, lettuce wraps for a lighter option, or with crackers for a fun snack. Enjoy the light, creamy, and refreshing flavors of your homemade cucumber dill chicken salad!
Recipe FAQ
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast works perfectly. It’s a great way to use up what you have in the fridge!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to revive those flavors!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can use chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute along with a dairy-free yogurt. The dill and lemon will still provide a fresh flavor, making it a delightful vegan option!
What Other Add-Ins Can I Include?
Feel free to customize! Chopped bell peppers, green onions, or even diced apples for a sweet crunch can be excellent additions. Just keep the ratios in check to maintain the salad’s balance!
