High Protein Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring crisp cucumbers, flavorful chicken, and a creamy dressing, ideal for boosting protein intake.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, washed and sliced Fresh and crunchy for hydration.
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced Adds a mild sweet flavor.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced High protein source; can be grilled, poached, or roasted.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt Acts as a creamy binder with tang.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Provides a nice kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Enhances richness.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Adds acidity for freshness.
- to taste salt Rounds out the flavors.
- to taste pepper Rounds out the flavors.
- to taste lemon zest (optional) Provides a burst of citrus aroma.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water. Slice them in half lengthwise and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely slice the small red onion.
Cook Chicken
- If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or grill some chicken breast. Shred or dice into small cubes.
Make Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir to create a creamy dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and lemon zest if desired.
Combine Salad
- In the bowl with dressing, add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and shredded chicken.
- Gently toss until well-coated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Notes
Use organic ingredients for better quality. Taste as you mix to adjust seasoning preference. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance flavor. Best consumed within two days for optimal freshness and crunch.