Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad (Printable Version)

A refreshing, protein-packed salad with tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and creamy dill yogurt dressing—ideal for light lunches.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 large cucumber)
03 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

→ Dressing

04 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
05 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, optional
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Extra fresh dill
12 - Sliced green onions

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise if using, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
02 - Add the cooked chicken, sliced cucumber, and red onion to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
03 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
05 - Serve chilled, garnished with extra dill and green onions if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy yogurt dressing clings to every bite without feeling heavy like traditional mayo-based salads
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes and actually tastes better after a day in the fridge
  • You get 27 grams of protein per serving while eating something that feels like a treat
02 -
  • The salad will release some liquid as it sits, which is natural from the cucumbers and yogurt
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the cucumbers until right before serving to keep them crisp
  • This actually tastes better on day two when the dill has had time to really infuse everything
03 -
  • Use a box grater to shred the chicken for a texture that holds onto the dressing better than cubes
  • Pat your cucumbers dry with paper towels if they seem especially watery before adding them
Go Back