Can I use boiled chicken instead of smoked?

Yes, but add smoked paprika or a little mustard to boost flavor. You can also sauté the chicken with spices.

How long should I boil the eggs?

Boil eggs for 8–10 minutes after the water starts boiling, then cool in cold water for easy peeling.

What can replace mayonnaise?

Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or an olive oil-lemon dressing work well. The taste changes, but remains delicious.

Which cheese is best for this salad?

Semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Edam, or Russian cheese grate well and add a creamy flavor.

Snack salad

Name: Snack salad
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 порции
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Chicken egg — 275 g; Cucumber — 100 g; Semi-hard cheese — 100 g; Chicken fillet — 250 g; Dill — 10 g; Mayonnaise — 60 g

30min

795g

Nutrition per 100g

214

This salad is a real lifesaver when you need a quick meal or snack. Tender chicken, hard-boiled eggs, crunchy cucumber, savory cheese, and aromatic dill — all brought together with mayonnaise for a perfect flavor balance. Ready in minutes, yet satisfying and delicious. Try it — you'll love this appetizer!

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

6 products

Base

Chicken egg275 g

Chicken fillet250 g

Vegetables

Cucumber100 g

Cheese

Semi-hard cheese100 g

Herbs

Dill10 g

Dressing

Mayonnaise60 g

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

The key to this salad is finely chopping all ingredients. The finer you dice the eggs, chicken, cheese, and cucumber, the more delicate the texture and the better the flavors blend. If you have smoked chicken, use it — it adds a nice smoky note. For freshness, choose crispy cucumbers, and use a semi-hard cheese that grates well. Dress with mayonnaise just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Step 1

Prepare the Eggs

Hard-boil 5–6 large eggs (275 g / about 1.2 cups chopped), cool, peel, and dice finely or grate coarsely.

Step 2

Chop Chicken and Cucumber

Dice 250 g (about 1.5 cups) of chicken breast into small cubes (if using smoked, slice into strips or cubes). Chop 100 g (about 1 medium) cucumber into small cubes or thin matchsticks.

Step 3

Grate Cheese and Chop Dill

Grate 100 g (about 1 cup) of semi-hard cheese on a fine or medium grater. Finely chop 10 g (about 2 tbsp) of fresh dill.

Step 4

Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the chopped eggs, chicken, cucumber, cheese, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Dress with Mayonnaise and Serve

Add 60 g (about ¼ cup) of mayonnaise, mix well. Garnish with a sprig of dill and serve.

CHEF'S TIP

Choose Quality Chicken

Smoked chicken breast adds the most flavor. If using boiled chicken, add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky taste.

Chop Everything Finely

Aim for uniform small pieces so the salad mixes evenly and has a pleasant mouthfeel.

Don't Dress in Advance

Add mayonnaise right before serving to keep the cucumber from releasing water and turning the salad watery. If making ahead, store components separately.

Use Fresh Dill

Fresh dill provides a bright, herbaceous note that dried dill can't match. Add it just before mixing.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

Replace Smoked Chicken with Cooked or Grilled If you don't have smoked chicken, use boiled or pan-seared fillet. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for flavor.
Use Sour Cream or Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise For a lighter dressing, mix with sour cream (15–20%) or Greek yogurt. It lowers calories and adds a fresh tang.
Add Green Peas or Corn Canned green peas or corn add a touch of sweetness and a festive look.
Replace Hard Cheese with Processed or Cream Cheese Processed cheese gives a creamier texture, while cream cheese adds softness. Choose to your preference.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Snack Salad

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once dressed, consume within 24 hours as cucumber releases moisture. Do not freeze. Add fresh herbs before serving.

GOOD TO KNOW