Save My garden exploded with cucumbers last July and I had no idea what to do with all of them. This salad happened on a Tuesday when I was starving and too tired to turn on the oven. Now it's the recipe that actually makes me excited about summer cooking.
I made this for a last minute lunch with my sister when she was visiting from out of town. She literally stopped talking mid sentence after her first bite and asked me to write down the recipe immediately.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use a store bought rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your own ahead of time
- 2 cups cucumber: Thinly slice these for the best texture and leave the skin on for extra crunch
- 1/4 cup red onion: Soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder flavor
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: Full fat Greek yogurt gives the richest creamy texture but low fat works too
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: This is optional but adds that extra velvety finish that makes it feel special
- 2 tbsp fresh dill: Fresh dill makes a huge difference here so use it if you can find it
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens everything and cuts through the rich yogurt perfectly
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle depth that people notice but cannot quite place
- 1 garlic clove: Mince this finely so you do not bite into big chunks of raw garlic
Instructions
- Make the creamy dressing first:
- Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Add all the mix ins:
- Gently fold in the cooked chicken, sliced cucumber, and red onion until every piece is coated in that lovely dressing.
- Taste and adjust:
- Scoop up a small spoonful and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Let it rest:
- Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let all those flavors hang out together.
- Serve it up:
- Scoop into bowls and top with extra fresh dill and sliced green onions if you want to make it pretty.
Save This recipe became my go to for bringing food to friends who need a meal. Something about cold creamy salads feels like a genuine act of care.
Making It Your Own
I have found that thin slices of celery or radishes add the most wonderful crunch that keeps every bite interesting. Sometimes I throw in chopped fresh parsley or tarragon when I want to switch up the flavor profile entirely.
Serving Ideas That Work
Scoop this into butter lettuce cups for a low carb option that feels fancy but takes zero effort. It also makes the most incredible sandwich when piled high between two slices of toasted sourdough.
Meal Prep Magic
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for three to four days and actually gets better as it sits. The cucumbers will release some liquid so give it a quick stir before serving.
- Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving to wake it up
- Keep the garnish separate until you are ready to eat
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a recipe that comes together this easily and still manages to feel like a treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. Just stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- → What are good serving options for this salad?
Serve it chilled as a standalone salad, stuffed in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, spread on whole-grain bread for a sandwich, or paired with crackers for a light appetizer. It also works wonderfully in pita pockets or over mixed greens.
- → How can I make this salad dairy-free?
Replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut or cashew yogurt, and use vegan mayonnaise or omit it entirely for a lighter version. The dill, lemon juice, and mustard will still provide plenty of flavor and creaminess.
- → What vegetables can I add to customize this salad?
Consider adding thinly sliced celery, radishes, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley and chives. You can also incorporate avocado for creaminess or nuts like walnuts for additional texture and nutrition.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that saves preparation time. Simply shred or dice it and use the same amount called for in the ingredients. The salad comes together even faster with this shortcut.
- → How should I adjust the dressing consistency?
If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a splash of lemon juice, milk, or water. If it's too thin, add more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Start with less dressing and add gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.