Save Celebrate the season with a vibrant and refreshing Holiday Black Pepper Chicken & Yogurt Salad. This dish perfectly balances tender, spice-kissed chicken with crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy, tangy yogurt dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying main course that shines at holiday gatherings or whenever you crave a festive, healthy meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with textures and flavors, this salad invites you to savor every bite while keeping the mood bright and merry.
Save This salad brings a perfect harmony between spice, freshness, and creaminess. The black pepper and smoked paprika give the chicken a warm, inviting depth that complements the crisp greens and juicy bursts of pomegranate seeds. The yogurt dressing, laced with lemon and dill, ties all the components together for a festive touch that’s suitable year-round.
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
To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest covered after cooking to redistribute the juices. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice the chicken evenly. For the best flavor, freshly ground black pepper is recommended. Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their crunch and aroma before adding to the salad.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Add sliced avocado to the salad for an extra creamy texture and richness. Feel free to customize the herb in the yogurt dressing, switching between dill or parsley to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It makes a light yet satisfying main dish for holiday dinners or casual meals alike.
Save Enjoy this Holiday Black Pepper Chicken & Yogurt Salad as a bright and nourishing dish that’s sure to impress. Its blend of peppery, smoky chicken with crisp, fresh veggies and a creamy dressing makes it a memorable centerpiece for any festive occasion or simple weeknight meal.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy when cooking?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid overcooking. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices.
- → Can I substitute the walnuts in the salad?
Yes, pecans work well as a substitute. For nut-free options, simply omit the nuts entirely.
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the dressing?
Plain yogurt with strained consistency can replace Greek yogurt, or try a smooth plant-based yogurt for a different twist.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complement the fresh, tangy flavors nicely.
- → How should the herbs in the dressing be prepared?
Chop fresh dill or parsley finely before whisking them into the dressing to evenly distribute their flavor.