Szechwan Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Overview:
This Szechwan Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack. Inspired by a gift of “pearsnapples” from a Harry & David fruit-of-the-month club, this salad combines crunchy greens, juicy fruits, and tender chicken, all topped with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing. The balance of flavors and textures makes this salad an exciting addition to your recipe repertoire, and itβs quick enough to prepare for a weeknight meal. The sweet and savory dressing is rich with peanut butter and a hint of heat from cayenne, bringing everything together in harmony.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pear | 1 |
| Apple | 1 |
| Chicken breast (cooked, sliced) | 1 |
| Cucumber | 1 |
| Green leaf lettuce | 1/4 head |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Peanut butter | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 1 – 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 561 |
| Total Fat | 30.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4g |
| Cholesterol | 46.4mg |
| Sodium | 1266.5mg |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3g |
| Sugars | 33.7g |
| Protein | 28.3g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. Warm the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly to ensure it becomes smooth and well blended. As the dressing thickens, gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to achieve the desired consistency. Once the dressing is creamy and uniform, set it aside to cool.
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-
Prepare the Fruits:
Fill a bowl with 2 cups of cold water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Core the pear and apple, then slice them into thin wedges. Place the fruit slices into the prepared lemon water to prevent browning. -
Prepare the Salad Base:
Wash and tear the green leaf lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the lettuce on two chilled salad plates to serve as the base of the salad. Set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
Slice the cooked chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. Peel and slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Combine the chicken and cucumber in a small bowl, and mix gently with the cilantro, if using. -
Assemble the Salad:
Once the fruit has been in the lemon water for a few minutes, drain it and lightly pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken mixture on top of the prepared greens. Arrange the pear and apple slices over the chicken and lettuce. -
Serve:
Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing generously over the salad, ensuring everything is well coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, spicy, and satisfying flavors of this Szechwan-inspired salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Chicken: Feel free to use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The dressing is versatile and complements a variety of proteins.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or radishes to increase the crunch and color.
- Heat level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper depending on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely.
- Make-Ahead: The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply whisk in a little water before serving to refresh its consistency.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe:
This Szechwan Chicken Salad is an explosion of flavors, with a tangy and spicy peanut dressing, fresh fruits, and lean chicken. Itβs the perfect dish for those looking for a light but satisfying meal thatβs full of textures, from crunchy cucumbers to juicy fruit and tender chicken. The salad comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy days when you still want something delicious and healthy.
Whether you’re following a low-cholesterol diet, aiming for a quick and tasty lunch, or simply craving something with a little heat, this salad fits the bill. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory will have you coming back for more!
