Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad

Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad: A Cozy, Crisp Delight

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad on a warm afternoon or during a quiet evening at home. This recipe reminds me of summertime picnics and backyard gatherings filled with laughter and the soft rustling of leaves. A friend introduced me to this refreshing dish years ago, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen.

Imagine the tender, juicy chicken mingling with the crispness of cucumbers and the luscious creaminess of a simple yet delectable dressing. It’s everything you want in an easy weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch that feels utterly special. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights; this dish can be made in under 30 minutes!
• No-Bake: With no cooking required, it’s a refreshing choice for warm days.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for potlucks and gatherings; everyone will ask for your secret!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the mild flavors and crunchy textures.
• Fresh and Light: A perfect balance of protein and freshness that feels healthy yet indulgent.

What You’ll Need

To make this delightful Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad, gather these simple ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple, sensory-rich steps for a salad that bursts with flavor:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, green onions, and dill. Imagine the vibrant colors and textures coming together!
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. The creamy mixture should be a luscious delight.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until evenly coated. Each bite will be enveloped in that creamy goodness.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled to fully enjoy the refreshing taste.

Delicious Variations to Try

Looking to shake things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad:

• Zesty Lemon Garlic Twist: Add a minced garlic clove and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a bright flavor boost.
• Creamy Avocado Delight: Mix in diced avocados for a rich creaminess and added nutrients.
• Crunchy Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other textures.
• Herbed Essence: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a unique twist on flavor.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

For the perfect Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad, here are some of my cherished tips:

• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the cucumbers until right before serving to keep them crisp.
• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have dill, fresh thyme or tarragon works beautifully with the chicken and cucumber.
• Slicing Tricks: For the cucumbers, try using a serrated knife to get uniform, smooth cuts that will hold up well in the salad.
• Storage Suggestions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; just be aware that the cucumbers may release water.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Here’s the nutrition information per serving of this delightful Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad (about 1 cup):

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 21g
• Sodium: 350mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some questions? Here’s what readers often ask about Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad:

• Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! It’s perfect for prepping in advance; just add cucumbers before serving.
• Can I use different ingredients? Definitely! Swap the chicken for canned tuna or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• How long does it last? The flavors are best enjoyed within 3 days, but can last for up to 5 days if stored properly.

Wrapping It Up

This Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad is everything you need for a light, delicious meal that tugs at the heartstrings. It doesn’t just nourish your body, but it also weaves memories of summertime bliss into every bite. Save this Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!

Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad

A refreshing and easy chicken salad with cucumbers and creamy dressing, perfect for warm days and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American, Casual

Servings 4 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or homemade
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, green onions, and dill.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the cucumbers until right before serving to keep them crisp. If you don’t have dill, fresh thyme or tarragon works well.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 21gFat: 20gSodium: 350mgSugar: 3g

Keyword chicken salad, Cucumber Salad, easy meal, no-cook recipe, refreshing salad

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