πŸ₯— Black Pepper Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing πŸ—

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.

πŸ“‹ Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts πŸ—
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil πŸ›’οΈ
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌢️
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt πŸ§‚
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce 🌿

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens πŸ₯¬
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced πŸ₯’
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved πŸ…
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots πŸ₯•
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌢️
  • 2 green onions, chopped 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) 🌾

For the Sesame Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil πŸ›’οΈ
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 🍢
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 🍯
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 🌿
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated πŸ§„
  • 1 clove garlic, minced πŸ§„
  • 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)

πŸ“ Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. Prepare the vegetables:
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
  1. Add the chicken:
  • Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the top of the salad.

4. Serve:

  1. Dress the salad:
  • Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  1. Garnish and serve:
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional) and serve your Black Pepper Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing immediately.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
πŸ”₯ 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! πŸ—πŸ₯—πŸŒΏ