Peanut Chicken Soba Salad Recipe
This Peanut Chicken Soba Salad recipe is a delightful fusion of Asian flavors that is perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal. The rich peanut dressing adds a delicious, creamy element to the tender chicken and soba noodles, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a fresh dinner option, this salad is an ideal choice. With vibrant vegetables like carrots, onions, and fresh basil, the salad is bursting with colors and textures, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Ingredients
Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare this simple yet delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 2 halves |
| Black peppercorns | 4 |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Low sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrot | 1 medium, julienned |
| Green onion | 2 stalks, thinly sliced |
| Red onion | 1/2, thinly sliced |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Lime wedge | 1, for garnish |
| Optional | Peanuts, for garnish |
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown of one serving of Peanut Chicken Soba Salad:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 169 |
| Fat | 9.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 34.2 mg |
| Sodium | 441.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugars | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 15.1 g |
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Peanut Chicken Soba Salad. It’s a quick recipe that can be ready in just 35 minutes!
-
Prepare the Chicken
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, chicken breasts, black peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the chicken cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. -
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and discard the peppercorns, bay leaf, and cooking liquid. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using a fork. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. -
Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and salt until fully combined. This mixture will serve as the dressing that infuses the chicken with flavor. Pour the dressing over the shredded chicken and stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Prepare the Vegetables and Noodles
While the chicken is marinating in the dressing, cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Set aside.Thinly slice the carrot, green onion, and red onion, and chop the fresh basil.
-
Assemble the Salad
Add the cooked soba noodles, sliced carrot, green onion, red onion, and chopped basil to the bowl with the marinated chicken. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture. -
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to serving bowls and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture. Garnish with fresh lime wedges if desired for an extra burst of citrus.
Tips for the Best Peanut Chicken Soba Salad
- Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer a different protein, grilled or shredded pork works wonderfully in this dish, as does tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Noodles: While soba noodles are traditionally used, you can also substitute them with rice noodles or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer.
- Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, add a dash of chili flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeño to the salad.
- Storage: This salad can be made in advance. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the freshest texture, it’s best served the day it’s prepared.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick and Easy: With only 35 minutes of total prep and cook time, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal or a lunch you can make ahead for the week.
- Packed with Protein: The chicken and soba noodles provide a hearty dose of protein to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy vinegar, and sweet honey creates a balanced and flavorful dressing that ties the whole dish together.
- Customizable: Feel free to make substitutions based on what’s in your fridge. This recipe is versatile and works with a wide variety of vegetables and proteins.
Enjoy this Peanut Chicken Soba Salad as a refreshing, healthy, and delicious dish for lunch or dinner. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
