Save to Pinterest I stood in my kitchen last July with a basket full of cucumbers from my aunt and no idea what to do with them. The heat was unbearable, and turning on the oven felt like a mistake. That afternoon accident became the salad I now make twice a week.
My neighbor Sarah came over for lunch that first time and asked for the recipe before she finished her bowl. Watching someone actually enjoy healthy food made me feel like maybe I knew what I was doing in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: These cook faster and stay juicier than thighs when you are not paying attention
- Olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds subtle richness to the lean meat
- Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the other flavors shine
- Cucumbers: Spiralized they become these incredible noodles that hold dressing beautifully
- Cherry tomatoes: Little bursts of sweetness that balance the savory dressing
- Shredded carrots: Add crunch and a pop of color without overwhelming the dish
- Scallions: Mild onion flavor that will not overpower the delicate vegetables
- Tahini: Creates that creamy nutty base without dairy or heaviness
- Soy sauce or tamari: Deep umami that ties everything together
- Rice vinegar: Bright acidity that cuts through the rich tahini
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to round out the sharp flavors
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that authentic Asian flavor
- Garlic: Fresh minced makes all the difference compared to powder
- Water: Thins the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency
- Sesame seeds: Toasted they add crunch and visual appeal
- Fresh cilantro: Bright herbal finish if you are not one of those soap people
Instructions
- Get your grill pan hot:
- Medium high heat works best for nice grill marks without burning the outside
- Prep the chicken:
- Brush with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and pepper
- Grill it up:
- Cook about 5 to 6 minutes per side until juices run clear, then let it rest
- Slice and rest:
- Those five minutes of resting keep the juices inside where they belong
- Spiralize your cucumbers:
- While chicken cooks, turn those cucumbers into noodles and toss with tomatoes, carrots, and scallions
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine tahini, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and water until smooth
- Dress the vegetables:
- Drizzle that sesame dressing over the spiralized mix and toss gently
- Assemble the bowls:
- Layer the dressed cucumbers, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro
Save to Pinterest My friend Mark who claims to hate salads actually asked for seconds. That is when I knew this was not just another healthy recipe nobody actually wants to eat.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in edamame or a soft boiled egg when I need extra protein. The dressing works with whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.
Meal Prep Magic
Keep the dressing separate and the sliced chicken ready to go. Everything stays fresh for days when stored this way.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine cuts through the sesame beautifully. I also love this with a side of brown rice when I need something more substantial.
- Add sriracha to the dressing if you like heat
- Grilled shrimp works just as well as chicken
- Extra lime juice brightens everything up
Save to Pinterest This salad saved me on countless hot days when cooking felt impossible. Simple enough for weekdays, impressive enough for guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I spiralize cucumbers properly?
Use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to create thin, noodle-like cucumber strips. Ensure cucumbers are firm and trimmed before processing.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, grilled tofu, shrimp, or edamame work well as alternatives, maintaining the dish’s high-protein profile.
- → What is the best way to make the sesame dressing smooth?
Whisk tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and water thoroughly, adjusting the water to achieve desired consistency.
- → How long should I grill the chicken breasts?
Grill chicken for about 5–6 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until juices run clear and meat reaches safe internal temperature.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.