Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
Overview:
This Oriental Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for lunch or as a snack. Featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 13 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 25 minutes
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Chicken Breast, Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Asian, Refrigerator
- Calories: 405.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 20.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 65.8mg
- Sodium Content: 666.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 26.1g
- Fiber Content: 4.3g
- Sugar Content: 11.5g
- Protein Content: 30.3g
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
- 3/4 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts
- 5 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar and salt dissolve. Set aside.
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Toast Almonds and Sesame Seeds:
- If not already toasted, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast almonds until lightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove and set aside. Repeat with sesame seeds, toasting until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
-
Cook Chicken:
- In a stockpot, place the chicken breast along with sliced ginger and 2/3 of the chopped scallions. Cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
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Prepare Salad:
- Remove chicken from the pot, drain, and let it cool. Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, snow peas, water chestnuts, remaining scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced red bell pepper.
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Mix and Chill:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly.
- Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad for added crunch and flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Make-Ahead: This salad benefits from being made ahead and chilled, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
- Toasting Nuts and Seeds: Take care not to over-toast the almonds and sesame seeds as they can quickly burn.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional vegetables like shredded carrots or cucumber for extra freshness.
Nutritional Information:
This Oriental Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this salad chilled as a light lunch or pack it for picnics and potlucks. It pairs well with crusty bread or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, varied textures, and a delightful sesame dressing, this Oriental Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Perfectly balanced in flavors and easy to prepare ahead, it’s a go-to dish for busy days or leisurely lunches alike. Enjoy the fresh crunch of vegetables, the tender chicken, and the nutty sesame accents in every bite of this delicious salad! 🥗