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Chicken & Cucumber
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 255 kcal

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
Keyword chicken salad, cucumber salad, easy meals, green goddess dressing, luncheon salad, nostalgic food, retro recipes, summer recipes, vintage recipe, walnuts
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