Bright, refreshing, and absolutely loaded with flavor, High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is my new obsession for lunch, meal prep, or a quick dinner you’ll be excited to eat. It’s got everything—the crunch of cucumbers, the creaminess of avocado and cottage cheese, and the savory depth of juicy chicken and olives. High in protein and packed with fresh herbs, it’s just the sort of dish that will make your meal feel special but takes no time at all. If you love salads that are hearty, satisfying, and explode with color and taste, this is going to be one of your new favorites.

High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad earns its place, bringing either texture, flavor, or added nutrition to the dish. Even though the list is simple, each component is essential for that crave-worthy balance—so grab these, and you’re halfway to a show-stopping salad!

Cooked Chicken Breast: Diced or shredded, chicken brings all the protein and makes the salad satisfying enough for a meal on its own.
Mini Cucumbers: Ultra-crisp and refreshing, these add a juicy crunch that’s downright addictive.
Cottage Cheese: This is your secret weapon for creamy texture and a big boost in protein without overpowering the other flavors.
Avocado: Just half an avocado elevates the whole salad with rich creaminess and healthy fats.
Olive Oil: A splash brings everything together and adds a subtle, fruity depth.
Kewpie Mayo: This Japanese-style mayonnaise is silkier and a bit sweeter, making the dressing absolutely luscious.
Red Wine Vinegar (or Lemon Juice): Just a touch for brightness and tang that wakes everything up; lemon juice will work if that’s what you have.
Kalamata Olives: Sliced olives pack a punch of salty, savory flavor that plays perfectly with the creamy elements.
Fresh Dill: A generous spoonful adds aromatic freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
Garlic Powder: For a subtle garlicky kick that melds right into the dressing.
Salt + Pepper: Crucial for balancing and enhancing every bite; adjust to taste at the end.

How to Make High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients for the High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad. Make sure your cooked chicken is diced or shredded, slice your mini cucumbers into half-moons, pit and slice your olives, chop your dill, and cube your avocado right before mixing to keep it from browning. This little bit of prep only takes a few minutes and ensures every bite is full of different flavors and textures.

Step 2: Add Everything to a Jar (or a Bowl)

This step makes everything so easy—just pile your chicken, cucumbers, cottage cheese, avocado, olive oil, Kewpie mayo, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, sliced olives, fresh dill, garlic powder, and your desired amount of salt and pepper straight into a medium or large jar. If you don’t have a jar, a deep mixing bowl works great too. The best part? No separate mixing or extra dirty bowls required!

Step 3: Shake or Stir Until Creamy and Combined

Secure the lid on your jar and give it a good shake—this is the magic moment where everything comes together, the proteins mingle with the creamy dressing, and the fresh veggies get coated in flavor. If you’re using a bowl, just give everything a thorough mix until creamy and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed; you want it bright, creamy, and well-seasoned.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Open the jar or peek into your bowl and grab a spoon. Sample a bite of the High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad and see if it needs any more flavor. Maybe a bit more dill for extra brightness, or another pinch of salt if you like things punchy. This is your chance to tweak it exactly to your liking—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Serve or Pack Up for Later

If you’re ready to dig in right away, eat it straight out of the jar or transfer everything to a bowl for a fancier feel. Otherwise, pop the lid back on your jar or container and tuck it into the fridge. This salad is perfect for meal prep and actually gets even better after the flavors mingle for an hour or two!

How to Serve High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few extra slices of avocado on top adds color and a burst of herby freshness. You could even throw on a dusting of cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of olive oil—little touches that make it look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair your High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad with crisp pita chips, warm whole grain bread, a simple green salad, or even a bowl of soup on the side. It makes a fabulous lunch with fresh fruit or a handful of cherry tomatoes for something extra juicy and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing the salad into a halved avocado for a showy, low-carb twist, or scoop it up with endive leaves for a stunning appetizer platter. Want to turn it into a wrap? Pile it into a whole wheat tortilla with extra greens for a portable lunch packed with flavor and protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just be sure to give it a quick stir before enjoying, as the dressing may settle a bit.

Freezing

This salad really shines when fresh, and freezing is not recommended since the cucumbers and avocado can become mushy when thawed, and the creamy elements won’t hold up as well. For best results, make just what you’ll eat within a few days.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—this High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you do want it slightly warmer (say, for winter months), let it sit out for a few minutes before eating, but avoid microwaving to preserve the crisp textures.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, and its flavor melds beautifully in High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad. Just shred or dice it and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, try plain Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and protein boost, or even ricotta for a richer twist.

How can I add even more protein to this salad?

If you’re aiming for even more protein, toss in some chopped hard-boiled egg whites, extra chicken, or a scoop of your favorite unflavored protein powder into the dressing. The High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is super flexible for protein lovers!

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

Yes! Swap the cottage cheese for a thick unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or a cashew cheese spread, and opt for vegan mayo. The texture stays creamy, and the flavor is still fantastic.

Can I prepare this salad ahead for meal prep?

High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad is ideal for meal prep—just keep the avocado separate until right before serving to maintain the freshest color and texture. Otherwise, prep, store, and enjoy all week!

Final Thoughts

Simple, vibrant, and endlessly customizable, High Protein Creamy Cucumber Chicken Salad could easily become your go-to meal for busy days and lazy lunches alike. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself looking forward to salad in a whole new way!