If you are searching for a refreshingly delicious meal that is both hearty and light, this Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender cooked chicken with crisp cucumbers and a lush, creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, it offers an unbeatable balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or a simple dinner, this salad feels like comfort food with a vibrant twist. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes when you want something nutritious yet indulgently tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that tastes fresh, creamy, and satisfying without any fuss. From the lean protein in chicken to the cooling crunch of cucumber, and the aromatic punch of dill, these components come together beautifully to create a meal you’ll crave again and again.
- Cooked chicken breast: Using shredded or diced chicken ensures tender bites that soak up the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds freshness and a crisp texture that balances the richness of the dressing.
- Red onion: Finely sliced for a subtle bite and a pop of color that livens the salad.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The base of the creamy dressing, bringing tang and smoothness while keeping it light.
- Mayonnaise (optional): Adds extra creaminess for those who love a richer salad experience.
- Fresh dill: Finely chopped dill infuses the dish with a fragrant, herbaceous note that’s essential to this salad.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick that keeps every bite exciting.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle warmth and depth that rounds out the dressing beautifully.
- Garlic clove: Minced garlic brings a gentle punch of savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors in the salad.
- Extra fresh dill and sliced green onions: Perfect garnishes to add an appealing finish and fresh aroma.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, optional mayonnaise, fresh or dried dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. The dressing should become smooth, creamy, and bursting with herbaceous and tangy notes. This mix is the heart of your Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe, so take a moment to taste and adjust the lemon or seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Next, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, thinly sliced cucumber, and finely sliced red onion right into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything together ensuring that each ingredient is evenly coated in that luscious, creamy dressing. The contrasting textures of juicy cucumber and tender chicken meld perfectly here.
Step 3: Adjust Seasoning
Now is the time to taste your salad and make any necessary tweaks. Maybe a touch more salt, a sprinkle of black pepper, or an extra splash of lemon juice to brighten things up. Seasoning well is key to making this Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe stand out with balanced layers of flavor.
Step 4: Chill
Cover your salad and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This pause lets all the flavors marry beautifully and the chicken soak up the dressing’s goodness. Serving the salad chilled maximizes its refreshing appeal.
Step 5: Serve
After chilling, your Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy. Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill and a sprinkle of green onions for added freshness and a lovely visual finish.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final touch of extra fresh dill or sliced green onions makes the salad pop visually and enhances the flavor profile with an additional layer of crisp herbal brightness. These garnishes give your dish that restaurant-quality feel without any extra effort.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light and crunchy sides, like toasted pita bread, crispy crackers, or even a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or quinoa to keep things wholesome and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try serving this Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe inside halved avocados or stuffed into ripe tomatoes for a beautiful display. It can also make a fabulous filling for wraps or sandwiches, especially when paired with some fresh greens and crunchy textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the cucumber will retain its crunch best when eaten sooner rather than later to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled and does not freeze well because of the cucumber and creamy dressing. Freezing will cause the texture to become watery and unappealing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t typically recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge for that perfect cool, creamy, and refreshing bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and keeps the preparation quick. Just shred or dice the meat before tossing it in the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, and swap mayonnaise for a vegan version to keep the salad creamy and delicious without dairy.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best made fresh or at least 15 minutes ahead to allow flavors to meld. If making in advance, keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 days for optimal texture and freshness.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives to customize the salad and add your favorite flavors.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep because it’s packed with protein and fresh veggies. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s healthy, flavorful, and truly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner option, this salad ticks all the boxes. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share it with friends and family—it just might become your new favorite! Enjoy every creamy, crisp, flavorful bite.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken with crisp cucumber and red onion, all tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt and dill dressing, it’s a flavorful and nutritious salad that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 large cucumber)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, optional for extra creaminess
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Extra fresh dill
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, optional mayonnaise, chopped dill, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, thinly sliced cucumber, and finely sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as desired. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the flavors according to your preference.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled, garnished with extra fresh dill and sliced green onions for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Use fresh dill when possible for a brighter flavor.
- This salad can be served on its own, over greens, or with bread for a complete meal.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
