This chicken salad is fresh and creamy, packed with cool cucumbers and tangy dill mixed into Greek yogurt. It’s like a refreshing hug for your taste buds!
I love how quick and simple it is to whip up. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. Just toss the ingredients together, and you’re all set. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can easily use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for this salad. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try shredded turkey.
Cucumber: Persian or English cucumbers are a great choice since they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor. If they’re not available, zucchini can work as a crunchy alternative.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess without the extra calories of mayo. For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or a silken tofu blended until smooth.
Dill: Fresh dill gives a bright flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried dill works too. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use less!
Celery: For crunch, celery is perfect, but you can substitute it with chopped apples or radishes for a twist.
How Do I Get the Creamiest Dressing?
To make sure your dressing is creamy and flavorful, it’s crucial to mix your ingredients well. Here’s how:
- Start with the Greek yogurt as your base. Whisk it with lemon juice and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. This adds a nice tang.
- Add the chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mixing in the dry ingredients helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Once combined smoothly, pour this dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold in the chicken and other ingredients to coat them without breaking them apart.
Let it chill before serving! This resting time helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cucumber, finely chopped (remove seeds if desired)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional for flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then you should let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors mix together. That makes it about a 40-minute total commitment—perfect for a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken and Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken, chopped cucumber, and celery if you’re using it. This combo gives a lovely crunch and flavor to the salad!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if you want that tangy flavor), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and Coat:
Now, pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. You want to keep the chicken pieces intact, so be gentle!
4. Taste Test:
Give your salad a little taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed—this is your chance to make it just right!
5. Chill and Serve:
Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld together and makes it extra refreshing. When you’re ready to eat, serve it on its own, over a bed of greens, or in a sandwich or wrap!
Enjoy this light, creamy, and healthy chicken salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors!
FAQ About Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option. Just shred or chop it up and proceed with the recipe as usual. It adds great flavor, too!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Give it a quick stir before serving again!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you’re looking for a yogurt alternative, try using plain sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt. Just note that the flavor and texture may change slightly.
