Discover a wonderfully cool and crunchy snack with this Cucumber Snack Bowl, perfect for those moments when you want something light yet satisfying. The combination of fresh cucumbers, shredded cheese, and tender chicken, all tossed with vibrant seasonings and creamy avocado lime ranch dressing, creates a refreshing burst of flavors and textures that delight the palate.
This easy no-cook dish requires just a few minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a quick snack, a light lunch, or even a healthy side to your meal. Its refreshing nature and simple ingredients make it a go-to option to beat the heat and nourish your body simultaneously.
- Quick to prepare with no cooking required, perfect for busy days or a refreshing snack.
- Combines cooling cucumbers with protein-rich chicken and creamy cheese for balanced nutrition.
- Highly customizable with seasonings and dressings to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: Two fresh cucumbers sliced into bite-sized pieces, providing crispness and hydration.
- Shredded Cheese: Quarter cup of shredded cheddar or your preferred cheese, adding richness and creaminess.
- Cooked Chicken or Turkey: Two tablespoons of diced cooked poultry for a savory and protein-packed component.
- Black Pepper: A pinch to enhance the natural flavors with subtle heat and depth.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Sprinkle lightly for a zesty blend that adds complexity and a touch of spice.
- Salad Supreme Seasoning: A dash to introduce herbaceous notes that brighten the snack.
- Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing: Two tablespoons to coat the ingredients with a creamy, tangy flavor complementing the cucumbers.
Instructions
- Slice the Cucumbers
Start by washing and slicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy mixing and convenient snacking. Using fresh cucumbers helps maintain the bowl’s crisp texture and refreshing taste.
- Add Cheese and Protein
Combine the shredded cheese and cooked, diced chicken or turkey with the cucumber slices. This mix introduces creamy and savory elements that enhance the snack bowl’s nutritional value.
- Season the Mixture
Sprinkle black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and Salad Supreme seasoning over the bowl. These seasonings introduce layers of flavor, balancing the freshness of cucumbers with a burst of spices.
- Drizzle with Dressing
Pour the avocado lime ranch dressing evenly over the ingredients. The creamy dressing binds the flavors together while adding a zesty, tangy finish to every bite.
- Gently Toss and Serve
Carefully stir the mixture to coat the cucumbers and other ingredients evenly without bruising the cucumbers. Serve immediately to enjoy the cool, crunchy texture and vibrant flavors at their best.
- This snack is best served fresh to enjoy the crisp texture of cucumbers and avoid sogginess.
- Feel free to switch out the cheese or chicken to vegetarians options to suit dietary preferences.
- Adjust seasoning levels based on your spice tolerance and flavor profile preferences.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day to maintain freshness. Avoid long storage as cucumbers tend to release moisture and become soggy over time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this snack bowl chilled on its own, or paired with whole-grain crackers or pita chips for added crunch. It also works well as a light side dish alongside grilled meats or salads.
- Use Persian or English cucumbers for extra crunch and fewer seeds.
- For a different protein twist, substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu cubes.
- Consider freshly squeezing lime juice over the bowl before serving for extra zest.
FAQs
- Can I make this snack bowl ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain cucumber crunchiness; storing for a few hours is okay but overnight storage may cause sogginess.
- What other dressings can I use?
Ranch-based, lemon vinaigrette, or light yogurt dressings work well to complement the flavors.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Can I substitute the chicken with a vegetarian option?
Absolutely, you can omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- How can I add more flavor without adding calories?
Try fresh herbs like dill or cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra flavor kick without extra calories.
Cucumber Snack Bowl
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese cheddar or favorite
- 2 tablespoons cooked diced chicken or turkey
- A pinch of black pepper
- A sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning
- A dash of Salad Supreme seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado lime ranch dressing
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Add the shredded cheese and diced cooked chicken or turkey to the bowl.
- Season with black pepper, Old Bay, and Salad Supreme seasoning to taste.
- Drizzle the avocado lime ranch dressing over the ingredients.
- Gently stir to evenly coat the cucumbers with the dressing and seasonings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this light, flavorful snack.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or turkey.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
- Serve fresh for best texture and flavor.
