Protein Cucumber Salad (Printable)

A light and energizing salad featuring spiralized cucumber, grilled chicken, and sesame dressing.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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 dressing as needed)

→ Garnish

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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 - Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until thoroughly cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice.
04 - While chicken cooks, spiralize cucumbers and place in a large 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 - Drizzle the sesame dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine evenly.
07 - Arrange the dressed cucumber salad on plates and top with sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It keeps you energized without that heavy, sluggish feeling that comes after heavy meals.
  • The sesame dressing tastes restaurant-quality but takes five minutes to whisk together.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken—it sounds like an extra step, but those five minutes let the juices redistribute so every bite stays tender instead of drying out.
  • The sesame dressing thickens as it sits, so if you make it ahead, add an extra splash of water when you dress the salad.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes instead of buying pre-toasted—the flavor is brighter and the cost is lower.
  • Keep the dressing slightly thicker than you think you need it because the cucumbers release water as they sit, naturally thinning everything out.
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