This Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad is fresh, creamy, and full of bright flavors. The tender chunks of rotisserie chicken mix perfectly with crisp cucumber and tangy dill, all brought together with smooth Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter feel. It’s a simple twist on a classic chicken salad that feels both refreshing and satisfying.
I love making this salad when I want something quick but still special. Using rotisserie chicken means it’s ready in minutes, and adding dill and cucumber gives it a cool, herby crunch that makes it really stand out. I usually whip it up for lunch or pack it for an easy picnic because it’s one of those dishes that keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this salad is scooping it onto toasted bread or wrapping it up in a tortilla with some leafy greens. It adds a nice balance of creamy and crisp that makes every bite enjoyable. It’s definitely a recipe I come back to often when I want something simple, tasty, and fresh without too much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and flavorful. If you prefer, cooked shredded chicken breast or leftover roast chicken works well too.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt keeps the salad creamy but lighter than mayo. You can substitute with regular yogurt or sour cream if needed, though it may be less thick.
Cucumber: Removing seeds prevents extra water and keeps the salad from getting soggy. English cucumber is great, but regular cucumbers work fine too.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright, herbal note that defines this salad. If fresh isn’t available, dried dill can be used but start with less since it’s more concentrated.
Lettuce & Bread: Butter lettuce or romaine adds a crisp base for serving. Any bread you like works, but toasting adds a nice crunch and helps hold the salad better.
How Do You Keep the Salad From Becoming Watery?
The key to a great chicken salad with cucumber is handling the moisture carefully to avoid sogginess. Here’s what helps:
- Seed and Dice the Cucumber: Removing seeds cuts down excess water.
- Pat Dry: After dicing, pat cucumbers with a paper towel to soak up any extra moisture.
- Use Thick Yogurt: Greek yogurt’s thickness helps hold everything together without adding water.
- Mix Just Before Serving: If prepping early, keep the cucumber separate and fold it in right before serving.
These small steps keep your salad creamy and fresh without getting watery or messy on the sandwich or plate.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl – I like it because it’s just the right size for stirring the dressing and chicken salad together.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps keep proportions accurate so the flavors balance well.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – makes chopping cucumbers, celery, and dill quick and easy.
- Spatula or large spoon – perfect for mixing everything evenly without making a mess.
- Toaster or oven – to toast the bread or sandwich rounds for a crunch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dill for fresh parsley or chives to change the herb flavor a bit.
- Add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to boost flavor in the dressing.
- Mix in chopped roasted nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch and extra texture.
- Use Greek feta or crumbled goat cheese for a tangy, creamy twist with the chicken.
Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 2 large lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
- 1 sandwich round or bread of choice, split and toasted
- Optional sides: cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, pickles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Since the chicken is already cooked and shredded, you’ll mostly spend time chopping the veggies and mixing everything together. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir this well until you have a smooth, creamy dressing.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Add the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, chopped celery, and fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix everything until all ingredients are coated evenly with the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a thin layer of the chicken salad mixture on the bottom half of your toasted sandwich round. Place the large lettuce leaves on top of that spread. Then, pile the chicken salad generously over the lettuce.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Add a few extra dill sprigs on top for a fresh look and flavor. Serve your sandwich open-faced or cover it with the other half of the sandwich round. For a complete meal, add some halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and pickles as sides.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before using. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick thaw method by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, shred or chop it like rotisserie chicken.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken salad up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, add the lettuce and bread fresh when ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes watery, stir well before serving. Avoid storing it on bread to keep everything fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or plain regular yogurt can work as substitutes. Keep in mind that sour cream will add a richer flavor and regular yogurt may be slightly thinner, so adjust the amount as needed.