Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad is a delightfully light and refreshing take on a classic, offering a crisp, cool, and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for lunches, picnics, or a quick dinner. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Key Ingredients for Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup English cucumber, finely diced (about 1/2 of a medium cucumber)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad:
This Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. Its simplicity belies its incredibly satisfying taste, featuring a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the crisp cucumber and tender chicken. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful and fuss-free meal that everyone will adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice your chicken. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will mix well with the other ingredients.
- Dice the Vegetables: Finely dice the English cucumber, celery, and red onion. For the cucumber, it’s best to remove the seeds if they are large and watery; this helps prevent the salad from becoming too soggy. Mince the red onion very finely to ensure its flavor is distributed evenly without being overpowering. Chop your fresh dill and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Season the Dressing: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing. Start with a pinch of each and taste, adjusting as needed. The Dijon mustard and lemon juice add a lovely tang, so balance it with the salt and pepper for the perfect flavor profile.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared chicken, diced cucumber, diced celery, and minced red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss Gently: Gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cucumber mushy.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Serve chilled on your favorite bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or directly from the bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad:
You’ll adore this Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad for its wonderfully crisp texture and incredibly refreshing taste, a welcome departure from heavier chicken salads. The star here is the bright, clean crunch of fresh cucumber, perfectly balanced by the savory chicken and fragrant herbs, creating a delightful symphony of flavors. Making this at home is not only satisfying but also incredibly economical, saving you money compared to store-bought versions while allowing you complete control over the quality and freshness of your ingredients. The addition of fresh dill and a hint of Dijon mustard elevates this dish beyond the ordinary, making it a truly special treat.
Think of it as your go-to for a lighter, brighter meal option. Unlike a classic tuna salad which can be quite rich, this cucumber chicken salad offers a palate-cleansing experience that’s perfect for warmer weather or when you’re craving something healthy and delicious. So grab your ingredients, get mixing, and discover your new favorite easy and flavorful salad today!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftover Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen and become even more delicious on the second day.
- Freezing: While freezing is possible, it’s generally not recommended as the texture of the cucumber and mayonnaise can change significantly upon thawing, potentially leading to a watery and less appealing salad. If you absolutely must freeze some, ensure it’s well-sealed and be prepared for a textural difference upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If it has been refrigerated, a brief chilling period is all that’s needed.
Final Thoughts:
This Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly spectacular and satisfying. We encourage you to give it a try; you might just find your new favorite light and flavorful meal!
Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice your chicken. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will mix well with the other ingredients.2 cups cooked chicken
- Finely dice the English cucumber, celery, and red onion. For the cucumber, it’s best to remove the seeds if they are large and watery; this helps prevent the salad from becoming too soggy. Mince the red onion very finely to ensure its flavor is distributed evenly without being overpowering. Chop your fresh dill and parsley.1 cup English cucumber, 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing. Start with a pinch of each and taste, adjusting as needed. The Dijon mustard and lemon juice add a lovely tang, so balance it with the salt and pepper for the perfect flavor profile.to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Add the prepared chicken, diced cucumber, diced celery, and minced red onion to the bowl with the dressing.2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup English cucumber, 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cucumber mushy.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Fresh Cucumber Chicken Salad for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve chilled on your favorite bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or directly from the bowl.