Imagine a bite-sized appetizer that's not just delicious, but also incredibly elegant and refreshing - welcome to the world of Chicken Salad Cucumber Rounds! This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning, low-carb sensation that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, these cucumber rounds are about to become your new secret weapon in entertaining.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding cooked chicken into small, uniform pieces using two forks or your hands. If using leftover roasted or grilled chicken, ensure it is cooled to room temperature.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced celery, and halved red grapes. The combination will provide a mix of textures and flavors.
- Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
- Season the chicken salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into uniform rounds approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Arrange cucumber rounds on a serving platter, creating a visually appealing base for the chicken salad.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully top each cucumber round with a generous portion of the prepared chicken salad mixture.
- For added presentation, optionally garnish with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley, or sprinkle with a light dusting of paprika.
- Serve immediately to ensure cucumber rounds remain crisp and the chicken salad is fresh. These can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated before serving.
Tips
- Choose the right cucumber: Use English or seedless cucumbers for the most uniform and crisp rounds.
- Pat ingredients dry: Ensure your chicken and cucumber are well-drained to prevent soggy appetizers.
- Chill ingredients: For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad mixture for 30 minutes before serving.
- Make ahead: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain maximum freshness.
- Customize your salad: Experiment with adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or different herbs to create your unique twist.
- Uniform cutting: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create consistent cucumber rounds for a professional presentation.
- Serve chilled: Keep the appetizer refrigerated until moments before serving to maintain crispness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 187kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
