This Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad is fresh, creamy, and packed with bright flavors. It combines tender rotisserie chicken with crunchy cucumber, tangy Greek yogurt, and fragrant dill. Every bite feels light and refreshing while still being hearty enough to keep you full.
I love making this salad when I want something quick but special. Using rotisserie chicken saves so much time, and the Greek yogurt makes it creamy without feeling heavy. The dill adds a soft herb flavor that really lifts the whole dish. I always add extra cucumber for that satisfying crunch!
It’s great served on its own, in a sandwich, or scooped into pita pockets for an easy lunch or picnic. I especially enjoy it on warm days when something cool and light hits the spot perfectly. Plus, it’s a recipe friends always ask me to share because it tastes homemade but is so simple to put together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, cooked shredded chicken breast works well too.
Cucumber: Choose a fresh, firm cucumber for crunch. English cucumbers are less seedy and have thinner skin, making them a nice choice here. If unavailable, regular cucumbers work fine—just peel if the skin is thick or waxy.
Greek Yogurt: This is the creamy base of the dressing. I recommend plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for richness and tang. Non-dairy yogurt or sour cream may be substituted, but flavor and texture may change.
Dill: Fresh dill offers a bright, herbaceous note crucial to the salad’s flavor. If fresh dill isn’t available, use dried dill but cut the amount in half to avoid overpowering.
Lemon Juice: This adds needed brightness and balances the creaminess. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
How Do You Get the Best Texture and Flavor in This Chicken Salad?
Balancing texture and flavor is key. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Shred the chicken finely so every bite is coated with dressing and herbs.
- Slice cucumbers thinly but keep some bite for crunch. If you prefer less water in the salad, lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit on paper towels to draw out excess moisture before mixing.
- Mix the Greek yogurt dressing gently with the chicken and veggies so you don’t bruise the cucumber slices.
- Let the salad rest in the fridge at least 30 mins before serving. This helps flavors blend well and the dill shine through.
Following these tips will give you a creamy chicken salad that’s fresh, well balanced, and full of texture contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls – I recommend a large bowl for tossing all the ingredients easily and a small one for whisking the dressing.
- Whisk or Fork – Easy to mix the Greek yogurt dressing smoothly so it coats everything well.
- Knife and Cutting Board – Useful for slicing cucumbers, chopping dill, and mincing garlic if you’re adding it.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To keep your ingredients just right for the perfect flavor balance.
- Salad Spoon or Tongs – Handy for gently tossing and serving the salad without mashing the cucumbers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Proteins: Swap rotisserie chicken with cooked turkey, shrimp, or canned tuna for a different twist.
- Cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
- Veggies: Mix in halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or shredded carrots to boost color and flavor.
- Herbs & Spices: Sprinkle some chopped parsley, chives, or a dash of paprika or cumin to customize the flavor profile.
Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skinless)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion or shallots
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld beautifully. It’s a quick and easy dish you can whip up in no time and enjoy fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken and Cucumber:
In a large bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the sliced cucumber. This forms the fresh base of your salad.
2. Add Onion and Dill:
Next, stir in the finely chopped red onion (or shallots) and fresh chopped dill. These add wonderful crunch and herbaceous flavor.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic if using, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until the chicken, cucumber, and onion are fully coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like to balance out the flavors perfectly.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, add a few fresh dill sprigs on top as a pretty fresh garnish. Serve this salad on its own, over fresh greens, or stuffed in sandwiches or wraps for a delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and cook the chicken before shredding. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly too.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt with Mayonnaise?
Absolutely. Mayonnaise will make the salad creamier and richer, but Greek yogurt keeps it lighter and tangier.
How Long Can I Store This Chicken Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Cucumbers from Getting Watery?
Lightly salting the cucumber slices and letting them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad helps remove excess moisture.