Chunk Chicken And Cucumber Salad
A refreshing chicken and cucumber salad packed with crunchy vegetables and tangy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner in pita pockets.
Ingredients
- 5 oz. can chunk chicken, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons diagonally sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons bottled lite Ranch dressing ⓘ
- 1 medium clove garlic, minced
- 1 pita bread (6 inch diameter), cut in half ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- generous dash of pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the drained chunk chicken, chopped cucumber, sliced green onions, chopped olives, ranch dressing, and minced garlic.
- Toss gently to mix all ingredients well.
- Cut the pita bread in half and open each pocket.
- Stuff the pita pockets with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, and the chicken mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the chicken mixture. If you don't have pita bread, any type of flatbread or tortilla works well. You can also substitute the ranch dressing with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. This salad is versatile; feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Chunk Chicken And Cucumber Salad is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of hummus or tzatziki for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a light Mediterranean quinoa salad for a refreshing meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat until heated through. For a crispier pita, you can briefly toast it in a toaster oven before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunk Chicken And Cucumber Salad contains roughly 168 calories, with 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can omit them or replace them with chopped pickles or capers for a similar briny flavor. Additionally, you can add diced avocado for creaminess or feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).