Holiday Black Pepper Chicken Salad (Print)

Tender black pepper chicken paired with fresh greens and a tangy yogurt dressing for a festive meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Salad

07 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
10 - ½ red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - ½ cup pomegranate seeds
13 - ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Yogurt Dressing

14 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
15 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1 teaspoon honey
18 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
20 - ½ teaspoon salt
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

# Method:

01 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Combine olive oil, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Rub mixture evenly over chicken.
03 - Grill or sear chicken 6 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat, cover loosely, and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
04 - In a large bowl, toss salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
05 - Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and herbs until smooth.
06 - Plate salad, top with warm sliced chicken, and drizzle with yogurt dressing. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bold seasoning of freshly ground black pepper and smoked paprika brings a festive warmth to the chicken.
  • The contrast of crunchy salad greens with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and pomegranate seeds creates a vibrant texture.
  • The creamy yogurt dressing is tangy with hints of lemon and fresh herbs, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.
  • This dish is naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare, making it suitable for a variety of diets and occasions.
02 -
  • Use a grill pan for perfect sear marks and enhanced smoky flavor on the chicken.
  • Pat the chicken dry before applying the rub to ensure maximum adherence of spices.
  • Make the dressing in advance to allow flavors to meld but add fresh herbs just before serving for brightness.
  • Toast walnuts lightly to bring out their nuttiness and crunch.
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