Protein cucumber salad (Print View)

Light cucumber salad with grilled chicken, sesame dressing, and fresh veggies.

# Components:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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
13 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
15 - 2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

→ Garnish

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

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means weeknight dinner or weekend lunch without the fuss.
  • The sesame dressing is creamy and satisfying without being heavy, and somehow makes simple vegetables feel like a celebration.
  • You get enough protein to keep you full and focused through the afternoon, but nothing leaves you sluggish.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken—it's the difference between meat that's juicy and meat that's dry, and it takes only five minutes.
  • If your tahini is thick and stubborn, warm it slightly in the bowl before whisking, and don't be shy about adding water to get the consistency right.
  • The spiralized cucumbers will start releasing water after a few minutes, so dress them right before serving or the salad becomes watery.
03 -
  • Spiralize your cucumbers lengthwise rather than across—you'll get longer, more elegant ribbons that hold dressing better.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes if you have the time; it deepens their flavor and makes them taste like something you've earned.
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