This Black Pepper Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is a light, flavorful, and nutritious dish. Juicy black pepper-seasoned chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing make this salad a refreshing yet hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
π Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts π
- 1 tablespoon olive oil π’οΈ
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper πΆοΈ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt π§
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce πΏ
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens π₯¬
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced π₯
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved π
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots π₯
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced πΆοΈ
- 2 green onions, chopped πΏ
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) πΎ
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil π’οΈ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce πΏ
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar πΆ
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup π―
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard πΏ
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated π§
- 1 clove garlic, minced π§
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
π Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season and cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165Β°F). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Make the Sesame Dressing:
- Mix the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, garlic, and water (if needed) until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- Prepare the vegetables:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
- Add the chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the top of the salad.
4. Serve:
- Dress the salad:
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional) and serve your Black Pepper Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing immediately.
β±οΈ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
β±οΈ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
β±οΈ Total Time: 25 minutes
π½οΈ Servings: 4 servings
π₯ Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
This Black Pepper Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a great choice for a healthy yet satisfying meal. The bold black pepper and tangy sesame dressing complement each other beautifully! ππ₯πΏ