Protein Cucumber Salad (Print)

High-protein cucumber salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a savory sesame dressing.

# What you'll need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10.5 oz total)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables

05 - 2 large cucumbers, spiralized
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - ¼ cup shredded carrots
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

→ Sesame Dressing

09 - 2 tablespoons tahini or toasted sesame paste
10 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option
13 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
15 - 2 tablespoons water, to thin dressing as needed

→ Garnish

16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
03 - Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Spiralize cucumbers and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and chopped scallions.
05 - Whisk together tahini, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed.
06 - Pour the sesame dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
07 - Arrange the dressed cucumber salad on serving plates and top with thinly sliced grilled chicken.
08 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired, over the salad. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, but feels like you spent all afternoon on it.
  • High protein without feeling heavy or complicated, perfect when you want to be energized, not sluggish.
  • The sesame dressing is your secret weapon—people always ask what you did differently.
02 -
  • If your dressing breaks or gets grainy, you added water too fast—slow down and whisk constantly, or start fresh and be patient next time.
  • Spiralized cucumber releases water as it sits, so dress it right before eating or it'll turn into soup by the time you plate it.
  • Chicken continues cooking slightly after you take it off heat, so don't wait for it to look completely white or it'll dry out.
03 -
  • Toasted sesame oil is non-negotiable—regular sesame oil tastes flat and raw in comparison, and it makes the dressing taste like something special.
  • If you're using tamari instead of soy sauce, you've already got it gluten-free, and the flavor is softer and sweeter—adjust the honey down if you prefer it less sweet.
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