This Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crunchy vegetables, peppery grilled chicken, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. The tangy lime and apple cider vinegar in the dressing provide a zesty punch, while the fresh herbs and seasonings elevate the flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade and Salad Dressing:

• 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste

• Fine sea salt, to taste

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos

• 1 tsp granulated monkfruit sweetener (optional)

For the Salad:

• 8 oz radishes, sliced thin

• 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced thin

• ⅓ cup chopped snap peas

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, black pepper, salt, onion powder, tamari, and monkfruit sweetener. Whisk well. Pour ⅓ cup of the mixture over the chicken and set aside the rest for the salad dressing. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Salad:
   While the chicken marinates, thinly slice the radishes and cucumbers (using a mandolin for extra thin slices). Add the veggies to a large bowl.

3. Grill the Chicken:
   Preheat the grill to 425°F. Season the marinated chicken with additional black pepper. Grill the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

4. Assemble the Salad:
   Pour the reserved dressing over the radish and cucumber mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of the chopped dill and toss gently to combine.

5. Serve:
   Top the salad with the sliced chicken, additional fresh dill, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 353 kcal

• Protein: 31 grams

• Fat: 23 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 6 grams

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 17 grams

• Carbohydrates: 9 grams

  • Net Carbs: 7 grams

  • Fiber: 2 grams

  • Sugar: 4 grams

• Cholesterol: 146 mg

• Sodium: 649 mg

This dish is high in protein and healthy fats from the chicken and avocado oil, with a low carb count thanks to the crunchy radishes and cucumbers. The Greek yogurt dressing adds a creamy texture while still keeping the salad light and refreshing.

The Chicken: Grilled to Perfection

The chicken thighs used in this recipe are marinated in a zesty mixture of Greek yogurt, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, black pepper, and tamari. This marinade not only helps to tenderize the chicken but also infuses it with a tangy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables in the salad. The tamari or coconut aminos adds a slight umami flavor, which rounds out the overall taste profile.

Once marinated, the chicken is grilled to a golden brown, resulting in a juicy and flavorful piece of meat with a crispy exterior. The grilling process seals in the flavors and keeps the chicken tender. The grilling time is short, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal. After grilling, the chicken is rested before being sliced, which ensures that the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent and flavorful.

The Salad: Fresh and Crunchy

The salad itself is made with thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, and snap peas, providing a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the juicy, tender chicken. The radishes, with their peppery bite, add a sharp, refreshing element, while the cucumbers bring a cool crispness to the salad. The snap peas add a sweet crunch that complements the other vegetables.

For the dressing, a portion of the yogurt marinade used for the chicken is reserved and poured over the vegetable mixture. This keeps the flavors consistent throughout the dish while adding a creamy texture to the salad. Fresh dill enhances the freshness of the vegetables, while adding a subtle herbaceous note that brightens up the entire dish.

The Greek Yogurt Dressing: Creamy and Tangy

The dressing for this salad is a simple but flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and a touch of tamari. The Greek yogurt provides a creamy base, which is balanced by the tangy lime and apple cider vinegar. The avocado oil adds a rich, smooth texture, while the tamari brings a savory depth to the dressing.

The sweetness of the optional monkfruit sweetener helps to balance out the acidity from the lime and vinegar, ensuring the dressing is perfectly balanced. This creamy dressing ties the salad together, making it indulgent yet light enough to let the freshness of the vegetables shine through.

Assembling the Salad: Simple and Beautiful

Once the chicken is grilled and sliced, and the vegetables are prepped, the salad comes together quickly. The reserved yogurt dressing is poured over the sliced radishes, cucumbers, and snap peas, and everything is gently tossed to combine. The fresh dill is added to the salad to enhance its brightness and provide a pop of green.

The final step is to top the salad with the sliced black pepper chicken and a sprinkle of additional dill and cracked black pepper. This not only adds flavor but also creates a visually appealing dish. The creamy dressing, crispy vegetables, and savory chicken make each bite a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions: A Perfect Meal

This Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken is perfect as a standalone meal or served alongside a light side dish like quinoa, rice, or a whole grain. The dish is light enough to serve during the warmer months but filling enough to enjoy year-round. It’s an ideal lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a healthy dish to bring to a gathering or potluck.

The combination of lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the avocado oil and yogurt makes it a well-balanced meal. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and full of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a nutrient-packed dish.

Why You Should Try Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken

Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken is the ideal meal for anyone seeking a light, healthy, and flavorful dish. It’s simple to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and bursting with bold flavors from the citrusy dressing, peppery chicken, and crunchy vegetables. The creamy yogurt dressing adds a satisfying richness without overwhelming the freshness of the vegetables, making it a well-balanced and refreshing choice.

This salad is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping for the week, or as a refreshing dish to enjoy on a warm day. The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner, this salad is sure to please.

Conclusion

Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines protein-packed chicken with refreshing vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing. The balance of flavors from the grilled chicken, citrusy dressing, and fresh herbs makes each bite satisfying and full of vibrant taste. It’s quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for a light, satisfying meal that’s both delicious and healthy. Enjoy this salad as part of your weekly meal rotation or as a special treat on a sunny day!