Creamy Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Salad

Creamy Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Salad

This salad combines thin ribbons of crunchy cucumber, shredded chicken breast, and crisp cabbage, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. It is perfect for a low-carb, high-protein meal or a quick meal prep option.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

• Chicken Breast: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely pulled

• Cucumbers: 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced into rounds

• Cabbage or Lettuce: 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage or crisp iceberg lettuce

• Tomatoes: 1 large tomato, deseeded and chopped or sliced into thin strips

• Green Onions / Scallions: 3 stalks, chopped

• Chives: 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Dressing

• Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (plain Greek yogurt works great for a lighter, higher-protein version)

• Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons

• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle tang and speckles of flavor)

• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon

• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables

• Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Tip: If your cucumbers are very watery, place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel to keep the salad from getting soggy.

• Finely shred the cabbage or lettuce and chop the tomatoes and green onions.

2. Mix the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble and Toss

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and chopped green onions.

• Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients.

• Use tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.

4. Garnish and Serve

• Transfer the salad to your serving bowl.

• Top with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped chives and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve chilled.

Kitchen Tips

• Protein Shortcut: To save time, you can use shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours of assembly, as cucumbers will naturally release water over time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.