Some things just feel like summer, and this cucumber chicken salad is one of them. Serve it on croissants, crackers, or make a chilled plate with cubed cheese and fresh fruit. If you grow cucumbers, it’s a great way to enjoy your harvest.
This salad works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s ready in just over 30 minutes and adapts well to extras like fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
The crisp bite of fresh cucumber makes this salad bright. I prefer shredding the chicken rather than dicing it — shredded chicken blends into the dressing and gives a smoother, more even texture.
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For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed) — rotisserie chicken is a convenient option
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
If you want to double or triple the batch, use the servings adjustment in the recipe card below or scale ingredients proportionally.
How to Make Cucumber Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Combine ingredients. Add the cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour the dressing over it, and gently fold in the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld. This also firms the salad so it’s easier to serve.
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Before serving, add chopped parsley or dill and a lemon wedge if you like. Serve on croissants, over greens, or on its own.
Storing and Serving Cucumber Chicken Salad
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 2–3 days; stir before serving as the dressing can settle. For best texture, use firm cucumbers with smooth skins.
This makes a bright main course for summer meals. Ideas for serving:
- Spoon into halved croissants for easy sandwiches.
- Serve over mixed greens for a lighter option.
- Pair with a fresh fruit platter for picnics or potlucks.
- Enjoy with iced tea or another cool beverage.
More Summer Salads To Try
- If you like cucumbers, try a simple cucumber and onion salad for a crisp side.
- When cucumbers and tomatoes are abundant, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad is a classic.
- Cold pesto pasta salad is great with homemade or store-bought pesto for easy entertaining.
- Classic macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser at picnics.
Questions and Troubleshooting
Poaching chicken breasts in water or broth for 15–20 minutes produces tender meat that shreds easily. Rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut if you need to save time.
Yes. Drain canned chicken well and break it into smaller pieces before mixing it in.
Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro all complement the flavors. Either garnish with them or fold some in before chilling.
Yes — use a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayo. The other ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
Printable Recipe
Cucumber Chicken Salad
Katie Shaw
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Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 1 whole large cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (finely diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
Instructions
-
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
-
Combine the ingredients. Add the cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour in the dressing, and fold in the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion until coated.
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Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
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Garnish and serve. Add fresh herbs or a lemon wedge to taste. Serve as desired.
Notes
After chilling, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice if needed.