Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad
Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and other colorful vegetables. This salad is perfect for any meal, whether you want a quick lunch, a healthy dinner option, or a side dish for a gathering. With its vibrant flavors and crunchy textures, this salad is both delicious and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays. Second, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it a healthy option. Third, it’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite dressings or additional ingredients. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 2 large cucumbers (or 4 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced or ribboned
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in water to reduce sharpness)
Directions:
- Cook the chicken breasts by boiling or grilling until fully cooked. Let them cool and then slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, shredded carrots, and red onion.
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl.
- Toss the salad with a dressing of your choice, such as a soy sauce-based dressing or an Asian sesame dressing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad
Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad can be served as a main dish or a refreshing side. Serve it in a large bowl for family-style sharing, or portion it into individual servings. This salad tastes great on its own, but you can also pair it with rice or noodles for a well-rounded meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped herbs on top before serving.
How to Store Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for maximum freshness. If you have not added the dressing yet, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately to keep everything crunchy and tasty until you are ready to serve.
Tips to Make Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a soy sauce or sesame oil before cooking.
- Use a mandoline or a spiralizer for perfectly sliced cucumbers and carrots.
- Feel free to add additional ingredients like bell peppers, avocado, or cilantro for more color and flavor.
- Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite combination.
Variation (if any)
You can easily change this recipe to suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. You can also add fruits like mango or oranges for a sweet twist. For a spicier kick, add some chopped chili peppers or a splash of sriracha sauce.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this salad?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just make sure it’s shredded or sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free, but be sure to check the label on your dressing if you are using store-bought, as some soy sauces contain gluten.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of serving. Just remember to dress it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Print
Asian Chicken Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A light and refreshing salad featuring tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and colorful vegetables, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 2 large cucumbers (or 4 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced or ribboned
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in water to reduce sharpness)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts by boiling or grilling until fully cooked. Let them cool and then slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, shredded carrots, and red onion.
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl.
- Toss the salad with a dressing of your choice, such as a soy sauce-based dressing or an Asian sesame dressing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For more flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salad, chicken, cucumber, Asian, healthy