Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This refreshing chicken salad is a breeze to make! With crunchy cucumbers, tangy dill, and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s a light dish that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Honestly, who doesn’t love a salad that feels like a hug? I like to pile it on toast or eat it straight from the bowl—no judgment here! 😄

Making this salad is as easy as mixing and munching! It’s a great way to enjoy chicken while keeping things fresh and healthy. Yum!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or a plant-based protein for a similar texture.

Cucumber: Seedless cucumbers are best because they’re less watery. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too—just peel and deseed. For a twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini.

Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives a creamier texture, but you can swap it for low-fat or even non-dairy yogurt if needed. Cottage cheese is another alternative for a different flavor and texture!

Fresh Dill: If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill can substitute. Use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. I love the fresh flavor it brings, though!

Lemon Juice: For a kick, you can replace lemon juice with lime juice or a splash of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar. Both will add that nice acidity to balance the dish.

How Do I Ensure My Chicken Salad Stays Creamy and Delicious?

The key to keeping your chicken salad creamy lies in how you mix your ingredients. Start by ensuring the chicken is moist; dry chicken can lead to a dry salad. Also, using Greek yogurt as your base keeps it rich and satisfying.

  • Mix chicken and cucumber first to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
  • Gently fold in the yogurt and other seasonings; this helps retain texture.
  • Chill before serving. This lets the flavors develop and ensures a refreshing taste.

Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably seedless or peeled)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat based on your preference)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (optional for extra crunch)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes before you can dig in. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine Your Base Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the shredded or chopped cooked chicken and diced cucumber. If you decided to include celery for that extra crunch, go ahead and add it in as well. This is the heart of your salad!

2. Mix in the Creamy Goodness:

Next, add in the Greek yogurt, freshly chopped dill, and lemon juice. The yogurt adds a lovely creaminess while the dill and lemon bring in fresh, vibrant flavors.

3. Season It Up:

Now’s the time to sprinkle in the garlic powder, along with salt and pepper. These seasonings enhance the taste and make the salad even more delicious!

4. Stir It All Together:

Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir everything until it’s well mixed. Make sure the chicken pieces are fully coated with that creamy yogurt mixture. This will make each bite flavor-packed!

5. Taste and Adjust:

Before chilling, take a moment to taste your creation! If you feel it needs a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, feel free to add it to your liking.

6. Chill and Let the Flavors Meld:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step will let the flavors marry together beautifully!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, your salad is ready to serve! It’s delightful on its own, on a bed of greens, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this light, flavorful, and healthy chicken salad!

Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

FAQ for Easy Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the salad ingredients.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

You can store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the flavors!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Definitely! This salad actually gets better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Just mix everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?

If you prefer a different base, you can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even cottage cheese for a different flavor and texture. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based yogurt!

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