Name: Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped or shredded; 1/2 cup keto mayonnaise; 1 tbsp mustard; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 4 green onions, chopped; 1/2 English cucumber, diced; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; Pink salt, to taste; Cracked black pepper, to taste

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There is nothing quite as refreshingly satisfying as a Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad, especially when you want a dish that combines crisp, cooling cucumbers with tender, juicy chicken all tossed together in a bright, zesty dill dressing. This salad not only offers a wonderful crunch and vibrant flavors, but it also serves as a fantastic low carb option that’s perfect for lunch, light dinners, or even a picnic treat. Every bite is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and creamy tanginess that feels homemade with love.

Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this salad shine. Each item is simple but essential, bringing a unique texture or flavor that contributes to the overall freshness, creaminess, and vibrant zing of the dish.

Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 1/2 lbs): Cooked and chopped or shredded, this protein-packed base keeps the salad hearty and satisfying.
Keto mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creamy richness without overpowering, plus keeps the dish low-carb friendly.
Mustard (1 tbsp): Brings subtle tang and depth of flavor that wakes up the dressing.
Lemon (zested and juiced): A blast of citrus freshness that lifts the salad with bright acidity.
Green onions (4, chopped): Offer a mild, peppery crunch and vibrant green color.
English cucumber (1/2, diced): Provides the iconic crispness and clean flavor essential to this salad.
Fresh dill (1 tbsp): The star herb that gives the dish its signature aromatic, slightly tangy note.
Pink salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without any overpowering saltiness.
Cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity that balances the creaminess.

How to Make Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with perfectly cooked chicken breast, whether you poach, bake, or grill it. Once cooled, chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces — this makes every forkful easy to enjoy and ensures the dressing clings beautifully to each morsel.

Step 2: Dice the Cucumbers and Chop the Green Onions

Use a sharp knife to dice the English cucumber into small, uniform pieces, which will provide that lovely crunch in each bite. Chop the green onions finely to spread their mild onion flavor evenly throughout the salad.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the keto mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice along with fresh dill. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and luscious, bursting with fresh and tangy flavors.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Add the chicken, cucumber, and green onions to the bowl with your dressing. Sprinkle in pink salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Using a silicone spoon, gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the creamy dill dressing and the colors are beautifully melded.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor harmony, cover your Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step allows the flavors to marry and the salad to cool perfectly, enhancing that refreshing bite that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Serve Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few thin cucumber ribbons on top adds a pop of color and a hint of garden-fresh aroma. Consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds for an additional textural contrast that complements the creamy salad beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty keto bread, crisp lettuce wraps, or alongside a platter of roasted vegetables. It also works fabulously as a protein-packed addition to any low-carb or gluten-free meal setup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or stuffed into avocado halves for a chic, Instagram-worthy presentation. For parties, consider scooping the salad onto endive leaves or mini bell peppers for bite-sized, colorful appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your leftover Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often taste even better after a little rest, but make sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the cucumbers and mayonnaise-based dressing could become watery and lose their desirable texture upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but avoid heating as it alters the creamy texture and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works wonderfully in this salad. Just shred or chop it finely before mixing.

Is this salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Yes, the Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad is naturally low in carbohydrates and uses keto-friendly mayonnaise, making it a great choice for low-carb or ketogenic eating plans.

Can I substitute fresh dill with dried dill?

You can, but fresh dill is key to the bright, herbaceous flavor that defines this salad. If using dried, use about one-third of the amount and blend it well into the dressing to avoid bitterness.

What can I use instead of lemon juice?

If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can provide the tangy acidity needed to brighten the dressing, though lemon gives the best fresh zestiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your mustard and mayonnaise are labeled gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers crisp freshness, creamy texture, and bold herbal notes all in one bowl, the Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad is an absolute winner. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for those days when you want something light but nourishing. Don’t wait to dive into this favorite—it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.