Save Celebrate the season with a refreshing and vibrant Holiday Black Pepper Chicken & Yogurt Salad. This dish pairs tender, perfectly seasoned black pepper chicken with a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, pomegranate seeds, and toasted walnuts, all brought together by a zesty yogurt dressing. It's an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or whenever you crave a light yet satisfying main course that's bursting with flavor and texture.
Save This salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes. The juicy grilled chicken layered on a bed of tender greens highlights the bright and fresh components that make it such a crowd-pleaser. The creamy yogurt dressing adds a tangy touch that elevates the overall harmony of the dish, making it perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or a stylish holiday table centerpiece.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika - For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, baby spinach, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped - For the Yogurt Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2. Pat chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- 3. Grill or sear chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat, cover loosely, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
- 4. In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
- 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and herbs until smooth.
- 6. Arrange salad on plates, top with warm sliced chicken, and drizzle generously with yogurt dressing.
- 7. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the chicken breasts are patted dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and achieve a beautiful sear. Resting the grilled chicken under loose foil allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist. Use fresh, crisp salad greens and slice the vegetables uniformly for a balanced texture and attractive presentation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them completely for a nut-free option. For extra creaminess and richness, add sliced avocado to the salad. Feel free to use fresh parsley if dill is unavailable. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be tailored to various dietary preferences.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with fresh lemon for a refreshing accompaniment. Serve on individual plates for an elegant presentation or family-style for casual gatherings, perfect for holiday celebrations or light everyday meals.
Save With its easy preparation and vibrant flavors, this Holiday Black Pepper Chicken & Yogurt Salad is sure to become a favorite on your festive table. It offers a light yet satisfying option packed with nutrition and bright tastes that everyone will enjoy year-round.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve tender black pepper chicken?
Marinate the chicken with olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and spices, then grill or sear it over medium-high heat. Let it rest after cooking to retain juices.
- → Can I substitute walnuts in the salad?
Yes, you can replace walnuts with pecans for a similar crunch or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
- → What salad greens work best for this dish?
A mix of arugula, baby spinach, and romaine provides a crisp, fresh base that complements the chicken and yogurt dressing well.
- → How is the yogurt dressing prepared?
Whisk together plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and fresh herbs until smooth for a tangy, creamy dressing.
- → Can this dish be served warm or cold?
Sliced chicken is best served warm over chilled salad greens, creating a pleasing contrast in temperature and texture.