Refreshing Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

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by teprod

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The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and there’s a delightful crunch in the air—oh wait, that’s just my Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad dancing its way into my heart. Picture this: tender chicken mingling with crisp cucumbers, doused in a creamy dressing that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. light summer salads perfect dipping sauces It’s like a refreshing summer day packed into a bowl, perfect for picnics or simply lounging on your couch like a champion. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken marsala pasta recipe.

I remember the first time I whipped up this salad for a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and proclaimed it “life-changing,” which made me chuckle because he usually eats only pizza. But hey, miracles happen! Now, every summer barbecue features this salad as the star of the show. Get ready to dive into an explosion of flavors and textures that will make you forget all about those boring salads from your past.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad is so easy to make; you might find yourself preparing it weekly
  • The flavor profile is refreshing yet satisfying—perfect for hot days
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and Instagram-worthy
  • You can easily adapt ingredients based on what you have on hand for any occasion

I once brought this dish to a potluck, and I’m pretty sure it almost sparked a culinary revolution among my friends!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they cook evenly and soak up flavors beautifully.

  • Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for firm cucumbers; their crunch adds texture and freshness to the salad.

  • Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to mayo that brings creaminess without guilt.

  • Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon adds zing and depth to the dressing.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up all the flavors wonderfully.

  • Fresh Dill: Offers aromatic herbal notes; use fresh if possible for maximum flavor.

  • Salt & Pepper: Always season to taste! A little goes a long way in enhancing flavors.

For the Sauce:

  • Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps blend all the ingredients together smoothly.

  • Garlic Powder: For that subtle garlic kick without overwhelming the dish.

  • Honey (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for an adventure in your kitchen—let’s create this Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad together! comforting chicken dishes.

Cook the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until cooked through and juices run clear, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Cool and Shred: Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands (if you’re feeling adventurous). Set aside while you prepare other ingredients.

Chop Your Veggies: Dice fresh cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Their crispness will contrast delightfully with tender chicken, making each bite memorable.

Create the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey if using. Adjust seasoning according to your liking.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken and diced cucumbers. Pour dressing over the top and mix well until everything is coated beautifully.

Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle fresh dill over your Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way! For more inspiration, check out this sleep slimming cucumber salad recipe.

Now that you’ve mastered this Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad recipe, impress your friends at gatherings or treat yourself on those lazy afternoons when cooking feels like too much work! grilled chicken recipes.

You Must Know

  • Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer days
  • The crunch of cucumbers combined with tender chicken creates a delightful texture
  • This salad is versatile, so feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or herbs for extra flair

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly, then chill it before mixing with crunchy cucumbers and dressing for the best flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding different herbs like dill or parsley, or swap out chicken for chickpeas to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. There’s no need to reheat; enjoy it cold!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure your cucumbers are crisp and fresh for maximum crunch in every bite
  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavors beautifully
  • Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go for a dish that truly suits your palate

I once made this salad for a summer picnic, and everyone devoured it! I was even asked for the recipe three times. It turns out that cold salads can steal the show!

FAQ

What makes Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad refreshing?

The crisp cucumbers and chilled chicken create a light and refreshing dish perfect for hot days.

Can I use leftover chicken in this salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time in preparation.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa or served over mixed greens to transform it into a heartier meal option.

Print
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Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad


  • Author: Teprod
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm days, combining tender chicken with crisp cucumbers in a creamy, tangy dressing. This salad is not only vibrant and visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or a healthy lunch at home. With its explosion of flavors and textures, this salad will surely become a summer staple in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place seasoned chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  2. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
  3. Dice the fresh cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey if desired.
  5. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken and diced cucumbers. Pour dressing over the top and mix until everything is well-coated.
  6. Garnish with fresh dill before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate chicken overnight with lemon juice and herbs before cooking. Substitute chickpeas for chicken to create a vegetarian version. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

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