Holiday Black Pepper Chicken Salad (Printable Version)

Tender black pepper chicken with crisp vegetables and tangy yogurt dressing, perfect for festive gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
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

# How To Make:

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 small bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
03 - Grill or sear chicken for 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, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
05 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and chopped herbs until smooth.
06 - Arrange the salad on plates, top with warm sliced chicken, and drizzle generously with the yogurt dressing.
07 - Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes total, perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
  • Combines rich, smoky black pepper chicken with fresh, crisp salad ingredients.
  • The yogurt dressing adds a creamy tanginess without overpowering the dish.
  • Gluten-free and packed with protein and nutrients from fresh vegetables.
  • Versatile enough for both casual family meals and elegant holiday celebrations.
02 -
  • Allow the chicken to rest covered to retain juices and maximize tenderness.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for the best aroma and flavor impact.
  • Whisk the yogurt dressing just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
  • Prepare the salad ingredients in advance and assemble last minute to retain crispness.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley to personalize the dressing to your taste.
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