This refreshing cucumber chicken salad is super easy to make and perfect for warm days! With crunchy cucumbers and tender chicken, it’s a delightful mix.
I love adding a squeeze of lemon for some extra zing. It’s great for lunch or a light dinner, and hey, who doesn’t love a salad that feels like a hug? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use roasted, grilled, or poached chicken for great flavor. If you need a quick option, rotisserie chicken is perfect. You can also switch it up with canned chicken if you’re in a hurry.
Cucumber: I recommend using a large English cucumber for its crunchy texture. If you can’t find it, regular cucumbers work fine, just remove the seeds to avoid a watery salad. Remember, no peeling is needed if the skin is smooth!
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds brightness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try dill for a different flavor. Just a tip: fresh herbs really elevate the freshness!
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: This combination gives a lovely dressing. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great substitute. For the lemon juice, lime juice can work well too and adds a nice twist.
How Do I Ensure My Salad Stays Fresh?
To keep your cucumber chicken salad fresh, it’s important to properly store it. Here are some tips:
- After making, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
- Keep the salad in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. It’s best eaten within 2 days.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, add the cucumber right before serving to avoid it getting soggy.
Enjoy your fresh salad with a comforting crunch and bursts of flavor!
Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner. If you let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so you can enjoy it even more!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cooking your chicken until it’s nice and tender; boiling or poaching works wonderfully. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, that’s a time-saver!
2. Dice the Cucumber:
Next, wash the cucumber and cut it into small cubes. There’s no need to peel it if the skin is smooth and tender—this adds a nice crunch!
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and the diced cucumber. Then sprinkle in the chopped cilantro or parsley for that fresh flavor.
4. Dress the Salad:
Now, drizzle the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken and cucumber mixture. This brings everything together and adds a zesty twist!
5. Toss and Season:
Gently toss all the ingredients to combine them well. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Then, season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you’re using black sesame seeds, sprinkle them on top now for an extra crunch and visual appeal!
7. Serve or Chill:
Your salad is ready to enjoy! If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes so the flavors meld together even more. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal!
Enjoy this simple, fresh, and crunchy salad—perfect for hot days or a light meal!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients for a quick and delicious salad.
How Can I Adjust the Dressing to My Taste?
If you prefer a tangier flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar. For a creamier dressing, you can stir in some Greek yogurt or sour cream.
What If I Have Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the cucumber from becoming too watery, consider adding it fresh when you’re ready to eat the leftovers.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan! Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or chickpeas, and use a plant-based dressing, such as tahini mixed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Enjoy your cooking and feel free to get creative with this versatile salad!
