Grilled Chicken Cucumber Tomato Salad with Creamy Dill Yogurt Dressing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g / 1.1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Salad
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 250 g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small romaine lettuce (or mixed greens), chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Creamy Dill Yogurt Dressing
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
Coat chicken thoroughly and marinate for 20–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
2. Cook the Chicken
Grill
- Medium-high heat (about 200°C / 400°F)
- Cook 6–7 minutes per side.
- Internal temperature: 74°C (165°F).
OR
Pan
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil.
- Cook 6–7 minutes each side.
Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
Refrigerate while preparing the salad.
4. Assemble
In a large bowl combine:
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Fresh dill
Top with sliced grilled chicken.
Drizzle generously with creamy dill dressing.
Finish with cracked black pepper and extra dill.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Calcium | 170 mg |
| Potassium | 780 mg |
Values vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
Allergen Information
Contains:
- Milk (Greek yogurt)
- Eggs (if mayonnaise is used)
Naturally free from:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Soy (check mayonnaise brand)
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame (unless added)
- Wheat/Gluten (if all seasonings are certified gluten-free)
Nut Information
This recipe does not contain nuts.
However:
- Check packaged seasonings for cross-contact warnings if serving someone with a severe nut allergy.
- Store away from nut-containing foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- If adding toppings like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts, the dish will no longer be nut-free.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
- Dressing: Up to 5 days refrigerated
- Do not freeze the assembled salad.
- Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Add avocado for healthy fats.
- Add feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon.
- Use turkey breast instead of chicken.
- Make it low-carb by skipping tomatoes or adding more leafy greens.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to maintain the salad’s texture.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It saves time and still tastes great.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided your seasonings and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with a plain dairy-free yogurt and use dairy-free mayonnaise if desired.
Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes. Use about 2 teaspoons dried dill in place of 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 74°C (165°F).
Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. Divide the salad, sliced chicken, and dressing into separate containers. Assemble just before eating for the best freshness.
Q: What can I serve with it?
It pairs well with pita bread, roasted potatoes, quinoa, rice, or a warm bowl of soup.
This is a high-protein, low-carb meal that’s fresh, filling, and suitable for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
