Holiday Black Pepper Chicken Salad

Celebrate the holidays with a dish that brings together tender black pepper chicken and a bright, tangy yogurt dressing. The Holiday Black Pepper Chicken & Yogurt Salad features a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, juicy pomegranate seeds, and toasted walnuts that add a delightful crunch. Light yet satisfying, this salad makes for a perfect festive main course that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Save

This salad balances festive flavors and freshness perfectly, making it a versatile choice for holiday gatherings or any light main dish occasion. The combination of smoky paprika-spiced chicken and the cooling yogurt dressing creates a memorable taste experience, while pomegranate seeds add a burst of juicy sweetness and crunch.

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

For best results, allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tender slices. Use fresh, high-quality yogurt and herbs for the dressing to maximize flavor. Toasting the walnuts beforehand brings out their nutty aroma and adds extra crunch to the salad.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap toasted walnuts with pecans for a different nutty note or omit nuts to make the salad nut-free. For an extra creamy texture, add sliced avocado. You can also adjust the amount of black pepper on the chicken to match your preferred spice level.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing sparkling water with lemon, enhancing the fresh and tangy elements of the dish. Serve it as a standalone main course for a light meal or as part of a festive spread.

Save

This Holiday Black Pepper Chicken & Yogurt Salad combines festive flavors and seasonal ingredients into a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Its quick preparation and nutritious profile will make it a go-to recipe for your holiday table and beyond.

Recipe FAQ

→ How should the chicken be seasoned for best flavor?

Rub the chicken breasts with a mixture of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika before grilling to enhance their savory flavor.

→ What is the ideal cooking time for the chicken?

Grill or sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes on each side until juices run clear and it is fully cooked, then let it rest before slicing.

→ Can the walnuts be substituted for another nut?

Yes, you can replace walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free option, maintaining a pleasant crunch and flavor.

→ What ingredients make up the yogurt dressing?

The dressing combines plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley for a tangy finish.

→ How can the salad be customized for extra creaminess?

Adding sliced avocado provides extra creaminess and richness, complementing the tangy dressing and savory chicken.

→ What are good beverage pairings for this dish?

This dish pairs well with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon to balance the fresh and savory flavors.