Chinese Chicken and Cucumber Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly flavorful, this Chinese Chicken and Cucumber Salad is a perfect balance of zesty, savory, and nutty notes. Tender shredded chicken pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber slices, all tossed in a delightful dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of optional chili oil for those who like a touch of heat. Topped with roasted sesame seeds and green onions, this chilled salad offers a refreshing crunch and is ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe that’s both nutritious and packed with authentic Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large cucumber
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in a medium-sized pot and add 4 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
While the chicken cooks, wash the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds or half-moons if preferred. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Mince the garlic cloves and finely slice the green onions. Set them aside for the dressing.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and chili oil (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl of cucumbers. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything to combine evenly.
Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the salad as garnish.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
226 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.0 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 609 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.3 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 29.1 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 417 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
