Tired of bland, heavy chicken salads? This Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a game-changer, offering a light, flavorful, and incredibly quick meal. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and enjoy a refreshing dish that tastes like summer.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe reimagines classic chicken salad into a lighter, brighter dish. By using Greek yogurt as a base instead of solely mayonnaise, it’s packed with protein and has a wonderful creamy texture without feeling heavy. The addition of crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and zesty lemon juice creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing. Plus, with rotisserie chicken, it comes together in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped and chilled
- 2/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup green onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped green onion, chopped cucumber, chopped celery, chopped parsley, dried dill, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Stir all the ingredients together until they are completely combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
For the best flavor and texture, it’s highly recommended to use leftover rotisserie chicken. The pre-cooked chicken often has a richer flavor profile compared to canned or plain grilled chicken. Using full-fat Greek yogurt ensures a creamy consistency without compromising flavor. If you prefer a tangier salad, you can add a little more lemon juice or Dijon mustard to taste. To prevent the salad from becoming watery and to maintain the crispness of the cucumber, consider adding the chopped cucumber just before serving, especially if you’re making the salad ahead of time.
Variations & Substitutions
If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried dill. For a different herby flavor, try adding fresh chives or tarragon. If you want to add a little crunch, consider adding toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added. If you’re not a fan of celery, you can omit it or substitute with finely diced bell pepper for a different kind of crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken salad is delicious served in many ways. Enjoy it on a bed of crisp lettuce greens for a light and healthy meal. It’s also fantastic piled onto toasted whole-grain bread for a classic sandwich, or served on a hearty hamburger bun for a more substantial bite. You can also serve it with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or stuffed into bell peppers for a low-carb option.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Due to the fresh ingredients, particularly the cucumber, it’s best consumed within a few days. This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the Greek yogurt and cucumber may change upon thawing, making it watery and less appealing. Reheating is generally not necessary or recommended; this salad is best served chilled.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | 116 |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 655g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 10g |
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
While you can use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken is highly recommended for its superior flavor depth. If using canned chicken, be sure to drain it very well and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to boost the flavor.
How can I make this chicken salad less watery?
To prevent a watery salad, drain any excess liquid from the chicken and cucumber. As mentioned in the tips, adding the cucumber just before serving is the best way to keep it crisp and avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is not inherently vegan. To make a vegan version, you would need to substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or firm tofu, and use a vegan Greek-style yogurt alternative.
How long does the Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it should last for 3-4 days. It’s best to add the cucumber just before serving to maintain its crispness and prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped green onion, chopped cucumber, chopped celery, chopped parsley, dried dill, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Stir all the ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve immediately on a bed of greens, on toast, or in a sandwich.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
