Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad

Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe

I’ve been seeing variations of this viral cucumber salad all over social media lately, so I knew I had to try it out and put my own higher protein twist on it! I love how simple and easy it is to make, it’s fresh and light, but so flavorful and filling at the same time. And after much testing, I can honestly say that I believe this is the BEST cucumber salad on the internet!

I’ve made it with leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, and even meal-prepped chicken breast, and it’s been a hit every single time. The chili crunch dressing adds so much flavor without any extra work (just shake it up and pour it on), and the whole thing comes together in 15 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation, too!

You’ll Also Love: Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – All you need is 15 minutes or less. 
• Refreshing & Crunchy – Perfect for warm weather or when you’re craving something light and fresh.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Holds up great in the fridge for a day or two.
• Easily Customizable – Make it vegetarian, adjust the spice, or add more greens!
• 38 Grams Protein – While many cucumber salads are served as a side dish with little to no protein, my version is high protein and perfect as a stand-alone meal!

Ingredients

For the Salad

• Red Onion – Thinly sliced for sharpness and texture. 
• English Cucumbers – Chopped into 1/2″ cubes or sliced thinly for that fresh, juicy crunch.
• Grilled Chicken Breast – Chopped into bite-sized cubes. You can also use rotisserie or leftover chicken.
• Frozen Shelled Edamame – Protein-packed and super easy to add once thawed.
• Fresh Dill – Brings brightness and a subtle herby flavor that ties everything together.

For the Dressing

• Lime Juice – The acidity balances the rich flavors, adding tang and freshness.
• Tamari Sauce – For a gluten-free, umami-packed base. Coconut aminos will also work, or use soy sauce if you don’t need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
• Chili Crunch – Brings the heat and bold flavor. 
• Honey – Balances out the spice with just a touch of sweetness.
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances the rest of the ingredients.

How to Make a Viral Cucumber Salad with Chicken

Making this recipe is SO easy! All you need are a couple of bowls and a sharp knife. Then, combine the ingredients, and you’re ready to serve. Here’s how to make a fresh cucumber onion salad in minutes: 

1. Make the Dressing – Whisk together lime juice, tamari, chili crunch, honey, and salt.
2. Soften the Onion – Add sliced red onions to the dressing, and let sit while you prep the rest.
3. Toss the Salad – In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, chicken, edamame, and dill.
4. Combine & Serve – Pour the dressing and onions over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy immediately, or chill before serving!

Also Try: Healthy Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken 

Tips

• Quick Defrost – If you’re short on time, run the frozen edamame under cold water in a colander until thawed.
• Red Onion Hack – Soaking the onion in the dressing mellows the bite and adds a quick-pickle flavor.
• Use a Large Mason Jar – I love shaking the dressing in a jar and then adding the onions right in. It’s perfect!
• Chili Crunch Adjustments – Not a fan of heat? Use 1 Tablespoon of chili crunch and 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of two full tablespoons of chili crunch.

RELATED: Healthy Ground Turkey Taco Salad

Variations for a Quick, Asian Cucumber Salad

• Vegetarian – Swap the chicken for 1 cup of canned chickpeas, or add extra edamame. 
• Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad – Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, and use rice vinegar instead of lime juice for a lighter, sushi bowl-style flavor.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad – Replace the chili crunch with olive oil and red wine vinegar, skip the tamari, and add crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes.
• Spicy Peanut Cucumber Salad – Sub the chili crunch for 1 Tablespoon chili oil + 1 Tablespoon peanut butter. It adds creamy richness with a spicy kick.
• Cucumber Avocado Salad – Add ½ of a large, cubed avocado just before serving for a creamy addition. 
• Cucumber Noodle Bowl – Spiralize the cucumbers, and serve everything over brown rice or rice noodles for a hearty meal bowl version.

RELATED: Miso Noodle Bowls with Roasted Mushrooms

How to Store

For the best results, I recommend storing the salad and dressing separately. This prevents the veggies from becoming soggy! Either way, this cucumber salad will keep fresh for several days. 

• Refrigerator – Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Meal Prep Tip – If you’re making this recipe ahead of time, store the dressing separately, and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp! The dressing and cooked chicken will keep fresh for 3-4 days, the dressing will last for up to 1 week, and fresh produce will stay fresh for 2-3 days. To serve, give the dressing a quick shake or stir, combine all the ingredients, and enjoy!

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bowls
• Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowls
• Watermelon Feta Chicken Salad
• Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Healthy Summer Salads

• Tandoori Paneer Salad
• Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Peach Mozzarella Salad
• Pear & Goat Cheese Salad