Chicken & Cucumber is a refreshing vintage salad recipe inspired by the chilled luncheon dishes that became popular during the mid-20th century. Combining canned chicken, crisp cucumber, green peas, walnuts, and colorful garnishes like stuffed olives and pimentos, this recipe captures the convenience-focused cooking style of the 1950s and 1960s. Creamy French or Green Goddess dressing brings all the ingredients together into a cool, savory salad perfect for warm-weather meals, church socials, picnics, or quick family lunches. The contrast between crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and briny garnishes creates a nostalgic flavor profile that still feels satisfying today. Its simplicity and retro charm make it a wonderful example of classic American comfort cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 cup cucumber (diced )
- ½ cup walnuts (chopped)
- ½ cup green peas (cooked, chilled)
- ¼ cup stuffed olives (sliced)
- 2 tbsp diced pimentos
- ½ cup French dressing (or Green Goddess dressing)
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Flake the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the cucumber and chop the walnuts.
- Slice the stuffed olives and prepare the pimentos.
Step 2: Combine the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cucumber, walnuts, and green peas.2
Step 3: Add the Dressing
- Pour the French dressing or Green Goddess dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
- Top the salad with sliced stuffed olives and diced pimentos.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve chilled on lettuce leaves, crackers, or sandwich rolls if desired.
Tips
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for canned chicken for a fresher texture.
- Add celery for additional crunch.
- Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Replace Green Goddess dressing with ranch for a creamier flavor.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Serve inside lettuce cups for a lighter presentation.
- Chill overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Include diced avocado for a modern twist.
- Garnish with paprika for extra color and vintage presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 19gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 860IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1.5mg
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