The perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and peppery – this radish cucumber salad is everything you want in a warm-weather meal. The yogurt-dill dressing soaks into the thinly sliced vegetables while a sweet and savory grilled chicken tops it all for a flavor-packed experience.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just looking for a refreshing weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bold textures and cooling flavors. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and made with wholesome, garden-fresh ingredients – the kind of meal that feels indulgent but nourishes from the inside out.
Full Recipe:
1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
⅓ cup Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
Fine sea salt, to taste
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon tamari or coconut aminos
1 teaspoon granulated monkfruit sweetener
8 ounces radishes, sliced extra thin
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced extra thin
⅓ cup chopped snap peas
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Directions:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, black pepper, salt, onion powder, tamari, and monkfruit sweetener.
Pour ⅓ cup of this mixture over the chicken thighs in a separate bowl. Mix to coat and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Reserve the rest for the salad dressing.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the salad by slicing the radishes and cucumbers thinly (a mandolin slicer works best). Add the sliced vegetables and snap peas to a large bowl.
Preheat a grill to 425°F. Add an extra grind of black pepper on the chicken, then grill for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling.
Toss the radish, cucumber, and snap peas with the reserved yogurt dressing and 1 tablespoon of chopped dill.
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over the salad. Garnish with remaining dill and cracked black pepper.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 353 kcal | Servings: 4
A Refreshing Summer Dish That Hits All the Right Notes
The Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken is more than just a salad — it’s a vibrant celebration of textures, temperatures, and flavors. Designed for warm weather but delicious year-round, this dish combines juicy, grilled chicken thighs marinated in a tangy, peppery yogurt-based blend with the crisp bite of radishes, the cool freshness of cucumbers, and the herby aroma of dill.
At first glance, it might seem like a typical salad-meets-protein combo, but it quickly reveals itself to be far more sophisticated. The marinated chicken adds depth, sweetness, and umami, while the vegetables deliver crunch and contrast. Finished with a creamy dressing that doubles as the marinade, the meal becomes an easy one-bowl experience that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
The Beauty of Seasonal Simplicity
One of the standout qualities of this recipe is how beautifully it showcases seasonal produce. Radishes and cucumbers are peak-season stars in spring and summer, which makes this salad not only tasty but also budget-friendly and environmentally conscious. Using seasonal vegetables also means more nutrients, better taste, and a reduced carbon footprint — all wins if you’re looking to eat cleaner and greener.
For those with backyard gardens or access to local farmers markets, this salad becomes a showcase of your freshest picks. It’s easy to scale up for gatherings, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch during a busy workweek.
Low-Carb, High Flavor, and Nutrient-Dense
If you’re following a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle, you’ll be delighted to know this salad aligns well with your goals. The combination of protein-rich chicken and low-carb vegetables creates a satisfying, balanced meal that doesn’t rely on grains or starches. Plus, the inclusion of healthy fats from avocado oil and full-fat Greek yogurt helps with satiety and blood sugar stability.
From a nutritional perspective, the dish brings in a variety of beneficial elements:
Radishes are rich in antioxidants and a good source of vitamin C.
Cucumbers are hydrating, with silica and potassium that support skin and heart health.
Snap peas, though modest in this recipe, bring a natural sweetness and crunch.
Fresh dill contributes not only aroma and flavor but also antioxidant properties and trace nutrients like manganese and iron.
Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse and source of gut-friendly probiotics.
When paired with chicken thighs — which tend to be more flavorful and juicy than breasts — the result is a complete meal that nourishes without weighing you down.
Flexible for Many Dietary Preferences
Another huge advantage of this dish is its flexibility. Need it dairy-free? Swap the yogurt for a plant-based version. Want a vegetarian twist? Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi or marinated tofu. Can’t find Persian cucumbers? English cucumbers work just as well when seeded.
Even the dressing offers versatility — you could brighten it further with lemon juice or enrich it with a spoonful of tahini or a dash of mustard. The foundational components of this recipe are solid, which means you can tweak flavor profiles without compromising the integrity of the dish.
This adaptability makes it an excellent go-to recipe for people with varied diets, and it’s especially convenient for hosts catering to different nutritional needs.
Grilling Season’s New Favorite
The grilled black pepper chicken is the true show-stealer in this dish. Marinated in a tangy, creamy blend featuring lime, apple cider vinegar, tamari, and spices, it absorbs layers of flavor that deepen when grilled. The char and slight caramelization from the grill add texture and umami — the kind of rich, savory depth that balances beautifully with the cool salad.
The use of chicken thighs here is intentional. While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs offer more moisture and flavor, especially when grilled. If you’re someone who tends to overcook chicken or struggles with dry results, switching to thighs can be a game-changer.
Even better, the grilling process itself is quick. You can have beautifully cooked, juicy chicken in under 15 minutes, making this a convenient weeknight dinner or weekend grill-out star.
Dressing That Does Double Duty
Perhaps one of the smartest efficiencies in this recipe is the dressing. Instead of preparing a separate marinade and sauce, the same mixture does both jobs. One portion coats and flavors the chicken while the rest gets drizzled over the salad. It’s an effective way to ensure cohesion in taste while cutting down on prep and cleanup.
Made with Greek yogurt, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, tamari (or coconut aminos), avocado oil, and a touch of sweetener, the dressing is creamy without being heavy. It enhances the salad’s texture while offering just the right amount of tang and spice, thanks to freshly cracked black pepper.
As it rests, the dressing begins to pick up color from the red radishes — turning a beautiful soft pink that only adds to the dish’s appeal when served. If you’re into visual presentation, this is a subtle yet stunning detail that makes your plate pop.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or planning ahead for a picnic, this dish holds up well with a few storage tricks. Keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess. Store the grilled chicken separately as well, and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
You can pre-slice all the vegetables and mix the dressing ahead of time — all you’ll need to do is grill the chicken and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve. For those who work from home or are always on the go, this dish simplifies healthy eating without compromising flavor.
Ideal for Entertaining
Because it looks so vibrant and comes together effortlessly, this salad is an entertainer’s dream. Whether you’re hosting an al fresco dinner party, a family barbecue, or a wellness retreat brunch, this dish adds color, crunch, and crave-worthy flavor to any table. The combination of grilled meat and refreshing vegetables makes it universally appealing, even to those who normally turn their noses up at salad.
Pair it with a crisp white wine, fresh lemonade, or iced herbal tea, and you’ve got yourself a full sensory experience.
Conclusion
The Radish Cucumber Salad with Black Pepper Chicken is a dish that embodies what modern, healthy cooking should be — simple, seasonal, flexible, and full of flavor. It’s a no-fuss meal that looks stunning on the plate, satisfies a variety of dietary needs, and delivers on both taste and nutrition.
Whether you’re exploring new ways to enjoy radishes, looking for a low-carb dinner idea, or just need something fresh and quick for a weeknight meal, this salad delivers. With its dynamic contrasts, creamy dressing, and savory grilled chicken, it stands out as a staple dish that deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Add it to your summer meal plans, serve it at your next gathering, or keep it as your secret weapon for quick, healthy lunches — either way, you’ll be glad you tried it.