Description
This High Protein Cucumber Salad offers a refreshing and nutritious meal packed with lean protein and vibrant flavors. Featuring crisp cucumbers, tender chicken breast, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. It is easily customizable for vegetarian or vegan diets by substituting chicken with chickpeas and using non-dairy yogurt.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups sliced English Cucumbers
- 1 medium Red Onion (or substitute with green onions)
- 1 cup Cooked Chicken Breast, shredded or diced (or canned chickpeas for vegetarian)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Dressing
- 1 cup Low-Fat Greek Yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- To taste Salt & Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 1/4 cup Diced Fresh Herbs (dill or parsley)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Finely slice the cucumber and red onion to create a crisp base for the salad.
- Prepare the protein: Dice or shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. For a vegetarian option, substitute with canned chickpeas.
- Minced garlic preparation: Finely mince the garlic cloves to enhance the dressing’s flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sliced cucumber, red onion, diced chicken, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add brightness: Incorporate lemon zest into the mixture for an added fresh and tangy note.
- Mix well: Cover the bowl and shake vigorously or stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Chill and serve: Serve the salad immediately chilled or cover and refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for a crisp and less watery texture.
- Substitute chicken with canned chickpeas to make this salad vegetarian.
- For a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt with non-dairy yogurt alternatives.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the salad’s brightness and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
