Cold Cucumber Chicken Salad is a refreshing and light dish that's perfect for warm days, offering a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing. This easy-to-make salad is ideal for meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. It's versatile enough to be served on croissants, crackers, or as a standalone plate alongside cubed cheese and fresh fruit. Whether you're using homegrown cucumbers or store-bought, this salad brings a burst of freshness to your table. 

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
  
  

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  
  

• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
  

• ¼ teaspoon salt
  
  

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  
  

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed; rotisserie chicken works well)
  
  

• 1 large cucumber, diced
  
  

• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  
  

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
   
   

2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
   
   

3. Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
   
   

4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   
   

5. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Serve on croissants, over lettuce, or enjoy as is.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 275 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 15 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 2 g
  
  

• Fat: 23 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 4 g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 51 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 310 mg
  
  

• Potassium: 165 mg
  
  

• Fiber: 0.4 g
  
  

• Sugar: 1 g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 417 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 17 mg
  
  

• Calcium: 13 mg
  
  

• Iron: 1 mg