Spicy Chicken & Cucumber Salad

Spicy shredded chicken and cucumber ribbon salad with sesame, spring onion and fresh coriander.

Cool cucumber ribbons and tender shredded chicken tossed in a glossy sesame-chilli dressing, finished with a sizzle of hot oil that wakes up every spice — fresh, fiery and full of protein.

Serves 2

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

  • Energy: 403 kcal
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Fibre: 3 g

Estimated values.

Ingredients

  • 2 cucumbers, shaved into ribbons
  • 1 spring onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp mild chilli flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 3 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 200 g cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • A handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Extra chilli flakes, to taste (optional)

Method

  1. Trim the ends off the cucumbers and use a peeler to shave them into thin ribbons; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the spring onion, gochujang, mild chilli flakes, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, tamari and rice vinegar.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture to release the aromas, then stir everything into a glossy dressing.
  5. Add the cucumber ribbons and shredded chicken and toss gently until well coated.
  6. Scatter over the fresh coriander and extra chilli flakes if you like more heat.
  7. Let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes so the flavours meld, then serve.