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Crisp chicken and herbs cucumber salad in a white bowl with fresh herbs and vinaigrette

Crisp Chicken and Herbs Cucumber Salad

This crisp chicken and herbs cucumber salad stays fresh for days, making it the perfect make-ahead lunch. Packed with protein and crunch, it's light, refreshing, and actually holds up in the fridge.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 medium Persian cucumbers
  • lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 breasts
  • ½ cup fresh dill chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ small red onion thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove minced

Method
 

  1. Slice cucumbers into half-moons or quarters about ¼-inch thick. Toss with ½ teaspoon salt in a colander set over a bowl. Let sit 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, chicken, red onion, dill, mint, and parsley. Pour dressing over and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Let salad rest 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.