Dive into a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad with these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. This recipe is a delightful blend of creamy chicken salad, packed with the smoky flavor of bacon and the tangy zest of ranch seasonings, all nestled in crisp cucumber boats. It’s a perfect dish for those seeking a low-carb, high-flavor meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or a unique appetizer for guests, these cucumber boats are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) avocado oil
- 15 ounces (3 5-ounce cans) canned chicken, drained and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (90 grams) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup (~50 grams, ~7-8 slices) crumbled cooked bacon (pre-cooked store-bought bacon recommended)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 4 cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled, based on your preference (chilled)
Garnishes:
- Flakey sea salt
- Freshly-cracked pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and patted dry canned chicken with avocado oil. This helps in moistening the chicken and making the salad more flavorful.
Mix the Seasonings: Add dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt to the chicken. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Add Creaminess and Flavor: Stir in the sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled cooked bacon. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and mix again; this will add a slight tang to your chicken salad, enhancing the ranch-like flavor.
Prepare the Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center in each cucumber half, making them into ‘boats.’
Fill the Boats: Spoon the bacon ranch chicken salad mixture into the hollowed-out centers of the cucumber boats, dividing it evenly among them.
Garnish: Sprinkle the filled cucumber boats with flakey sea salt and freshly-cracked pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve: These bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats are best enjoyed fresh. They offer a cool, crunchy base with a creamy, flavorful topping that’s sure to satisfy.
Enjoy these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats as a refreshing and healthy option for any meal of the day. They’re perfect for those following a low-carb diet or anyone looking for a deliciously unique way to enjoy classic flavors.