This light and refreshing chicken salad combines juicy cucumbers, zesty dill, and creamy Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic on a sunny day!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad. Just mix everything together, and you’re ready to go—delicious and no fuss! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is ideal for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even grilled chicken for added flavor. Leftover chicken works perfectly too!
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add crunch. If you want a twist, try replacing them with diced bell peppers or zucchini. Just remember to seed them to keep the salad from getting watery.
Greek Yogurt: It’s creamy and adds protein! If you prefer, you can substitute with low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut yogurt. Just keep an eye on the flavor and consistency.
Dill: Fresh dill has a bright flavor that makes this dish pop. If you don’t have fresh, dried dill works too. Use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chicken Salad?
To enhance the flavor of your chicken salad, follow these tips:
- Marinate the chicken with lemon juice and mustard for a bit before mixing it into the salad. This will layer your flavors.
- Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully—30 minutes is great, but longer is even better!
- Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving. A little salt or pepper can make a big difference.
Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (seeded if desired)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious chicken salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. A total of about 45 minutes until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, and diced celery (if you’re using it) in the bowl. This is where all the colorful ingredients come together!
2. Adding the Creamy Base:
Next, you’ll want to add the creamy goodness to your bowl! Toss in the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This mixture will create a wonderful flavor.
3. Combining Everything:
Grab a spatula or a large spoon and gently stir all the ingredients together. You want everything to be evenly coated with that lovely yogurt mixture. Be gentle to keep the chicken pieces nice and whole!
4. Seasoning:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently again to mix. Feel free to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Chilling:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This is the perfect time for the flavors to mingle and blend together!
6. Serving:
Once chilled, it’s time to enjoy! You can serve the chicken salad on its own, in a sandwich, or piled high on a bed of greens. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor to the salad. Just shred or dice it and mix it in with the other ingredients.
How Long Can I Store This Chicken Salad?
You can store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This chicken salad can be made a day in advance, which makes it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, you can swap it out with regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or even cottage cheese for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess!
