Cucumber And Chicken Salad
A refreshing chicken and cucumber salad with crunchy celery and chopped eggs, dressed in tangy French dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to those seeking a quick, satisfying meal. Garnished with parsley and served on crisp lettuce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, and sliced cucumber in a bowl and toss lightly.
- Mix in the French dressing and chill thoroughly.
- Add the chopped hard-cooked eggs, diced pimento, salt, and chopped parsley to the mixture and mix well.
- Serve on lettuce with a cooked dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the French dressing, or use a vinaigrette. You can also add diced apples or grapes for a sweet twist. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a flavorful shortcut. Make sure to chill the salad long enough to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside whole-grain bread for a delightful lunch. It pairs beautifully with Peach And Raspberry Ice Cream for a refreshing dessert. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid adding lettuce until serving. If you want to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber And Chicken Salad contains roughly 1094 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This salad works well with diced turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Simply adjust the dressing and seasonings to complement the protein you choose.
How can I make this salad more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like dill or tarragon. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect combination.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness. Portion out servings in containers for a quick and easy lunch throughout the week.
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).