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Chicken Cucumber Salad

Delicious Chicken Cucumber Salad with Zesty Homemade Pesto

This Chicken Cucumber Salad is a quick, nutritious meal packed with flavor, featuring fresh ingredients and homemade pesto.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pesto Ingredients
  • 1 cup Flat Leaf Parsley Leaves Provides fresh flavor and aromatic notes; swap with cilantro for a different taste.
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach Adds nutrients and color; kale can be used for a unique texture.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Enhances freshness; lime juice works as a substitute if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Pine Nuts Contributes creaminess to the pesto; walnuts or almonds can be used instead.
  • 1 clove Garlic (Crushed) Adds aromatic flair; adjust according to your taste or use garlic powder as an alternative.
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Delivers umami flavor; opt for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Essential seasonings to adjust according to your preference.
  • ½ cup Olive Oil Helps create a smooth emulsion; avocado oil or grapeseed oil can also be great choices.
Salad Ingredients
  • 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken A convenient main protein; use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
  • 1 cup Shelled and Cooked Edamame Offers protein and texture; substitute with green peas for variation.
  • 1 can Chickpeas (Drained and Rinsed) Another great source of protein and fiber; black beans make a tasty alternative.
  • 1 cup Chopped Cucumber Provides a crunchy, refreshing element.
  • 4 cups Arugula Adds a peppery flavor as a bed for serving; try mixed greens or baby kale for a twist.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a food processor, combine flat leaf parsley, baby spinach, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and crushed garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then process until smooth. Drizzle in olive oil while blending.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, shred rotisserie chicken and add edamame, chickpeas, and cucumber. Toss to combine before adding the pesto over the salad and mixing again.
  3. Divide arugula onto plates, top with the salad mixture, and garnish with remaining pine nuts. Serve immediately.
  4. For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; store arugula separately if possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Customize pesto with different nuts or greens to enhance flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture.

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