Description
A refreshing and high-protein cucumber salad that combines crisp cucumbers, tender chicken breast, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, enhanced with fresh herbs and zesty lemon for a nutritious meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups sliced English cucumber
- 1 medium red onion (or substitute with green onions)
- 1/4 cup diced fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Protein
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced; can swap with canned chickpeas for vegetarian)
Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (substitute with non-dairy yogurt for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice Vegetables: Finely slice the cucumber and red onion to achieve a crisp texture for the salad base.
- Prepare Protein: Dice or shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
- Minced Garlic: Finely mince the fresh garlic to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add sliced cucumbers, red onion, chicken, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add Lemon Zest: Incorporate the lemon zest into the mixture to add brightness and enhance the salad’s flavors.
- Mix Thoroughly: Cover the bowl and shake vigorously or stir until all ingredients are well-mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately chilled or store it in the refrigerator for later consumption to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked chicken breast with canned chickpeas.
- Use non-dairy yogurt to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- English cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds, offering the best texture.
- Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest significantly brighten the flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste to enhance the overall flavor profile.
