This Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy cucumbers, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for hot days or quick lunches!
I love how simple it is to make—just toss everything together and you’re ready to go. Plus, it’s light and tasty, making me feel great after each bite! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Diced grilled or poached chicken is great here. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works wonderfully too! You can also use canned chicken for a quick option, or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian dish.
Cucumber: A medium cucumber adds crispness. If you prefer less moisture, you can use an English cucumber as it has thinner skin and fewer seeds. For a twist, try adding chopped bell peppers for added color and crunch.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite. If you find red onions too strong, use green onions or shallots. Sautéing them lightly can also tone down the flavor if you prefer a milder taste.
Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt keeps the salad healthier, while mayo adds creaminess. You can mix both for a balance of flavors. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan yogurt or avocado for creaminess.
Dill: Fresh dill brings a great flavor but dried dill works too. Substitute with parsley, tarragon, or even basil if you can’t find dill.
How Do You Make the Salad Creamy and Flavorful?
Making the salad creamy and flavorful hinges on a few key techniques. Start by creating your dressing that combines the yogurt or mayo with lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
- Mix the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with lemon juice for a zesty kick. If you’re using mustard, it adds depth.
- Whisk until smooth to ensure everything blends well.
- Properly taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
- Toss the salad gently but thoroughly, allowing every piece to be coated with the dressing.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is also essential. This helps to meld the flavors, making each bite even more delicious!
How to Make Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or poached)
- Cucumber: 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Dill: 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Dressing: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (or a mix)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to chill. So you’re looking at around 45 minutes total, but the work is super quick, and the chill time allows the flavors to blend perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cooking your chicken breast. You can grill or poach it until it’s fully cooked. Once done, let it cool a bit, then dice it into bite-sized cubes. This chicken will be the star of your salad!
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, the peeled and diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and the fresh dill. The colors and textures will make your salad look wonderful!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, take the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the Dijon mustard (if using). Add a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything until it’s creamy and smooth.
4. Mix it All Together:
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every piece is covered in that delicious dressing without breaking it apart.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Now it’s time to taste your salad! It’s a good idea to check if it needs more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes it super refreshing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, dish out the salad chilled. It goes wonderfully by itself or on a bed of fresh greens. You can even enjoy it with some crusty bread for a heartier meal!
This salad is creamy, fresh, and perfect for a quick, light meal. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just dice it up, and you’ll have a quick base for your salad!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill? Can I Substitute It?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can work in a pinch—just use about one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley, tarragon, or even basil can add a different but delicious flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may separate slightly during storage.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together overnight!
