This Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad is a cool and crunchy delight. Packed with tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a light dressing, it’s perfect for warm days!
You can whip this up quickly, making it a fantastic choice for lunch or a picnic. I like to toss in some herbs for extra flavor—because who doesn’t love fresh herbs in their salad?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. It’s already cooked and adds rich flavor. If you don’t have chicken on hand, tofu or chickpeas can work well as a protein alternative.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are ideal for this salad due to their thin skin and mild flavor. If those aren’t available, regular cucumbers are fine—just peel if the skin is too bitter for your taste!
Herbs: Fresh cilantro gives a vibrant taste, but if you’re not a fan, parsley works wonderfully too. Some people enjoy dill as a refreshing change; feel free to experiment!
Dressing: Greek yogurt offers creaminess with added protein. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using avocado or a plant-based yogurt instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Moist?
To keep your chicken juicy, consider poaching it. Here’s how:
- Simmer chicken in water or broth with herbs for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Let it cool, then shred it while warm to maintain moisture.
Alternatively, if baking, cover the chicken with foil to trap steam and prevent drying out. This technique ensures a delightful tender texture in your salad!
Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 large cucumber, diced (with skin on for color and texture)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (for garnish and a little nutty crunch)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (optional, for light dressing)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad can be ready in about 15-20 minutes! If you prefer chilling it to enhance the flavors, it’s a good idea to let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can poach or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked. Simply simmer them in water or broth for around 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let it cool a bit and then shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the Cucumber:
Dice the cucumber into small chunks for the perfect crunch! Keeping the skin on adds a vibrant color and extra texture to your salad.
3. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, and your choice of chopped fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley). The herbs add a burst of freshness, so don’t skip this step!
4. Add the Dressing:
Drizzle in the lemon juice or rice vinegar, and if you like, add in the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Gently toss everything together to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
5. Season and Garnish:
Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking, and mix again gently. Top your salad with black sesame seeds for a delightful nutty crunch.
6. Chill Before Serving:
If you have a bit of time, chilling the salad for 10–15 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully. But this salad is also delicious right away!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the salad and enjoy it as a refreshing light lunch or a delightful side with dinner. It’s great for meal prep too!
This Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The cool crunch of cucumbers pairs beautifully with tender chicken and fresh herbs, all enhanced by a light tangy dressing. Enjoy this healthy, refreshing meal any day!
FAQ
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this salad. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and you’ll save time on prep!
What Alternatives Can I Use for Cucumber?
If you’re not a fan of cucumber, consider substituting it with diced bell peppers or zucchini for a different crunch and flavor. Just make sure they’re chopped into similar-sized pieces for even mixing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad contains yogurt, it may release some moisture, but give it a gentle stir before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time! Just mix everything except the dressing and store it in the fridge. Add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
