Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Name: Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: CHICKEN; 1 pound chicken breast; ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar depending on preference; 1 tablespoon tahini; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; SALAD; 3 cups shredded purple cabbage; 3 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrot; 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips; ½ cup shelled edamame; ½ cup diced green onion; ½ cup chopped cilantro; ¼ cup chopped peanuts; DRESSING; 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons sriracha; 2 tablespoons warm water or more as needed to thin

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

August 27, 2024

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Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing, all topped with crunchy elements like nuts and fried noodles. This salad is a refreshing, nutritious option that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy tastes all in one bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad is more than just a healthy choice—it’s a feast for the senses. The crunch from fresh veggies, the savory chicken, and the zingy dressing make every bite exciting. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.

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Health Benefits of Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

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Lean Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in this salad offer a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Healthy Fats: Adding nuts or seeds gives the salad a dose of healthy fats, which are important for brain health and keeping you full longer.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these tools:

Large Salad Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
Whisk: To mix the dressing.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the dressing ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

1. Prepare the Chicken:
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also cook and shred your own chicken breast.

2. Chop the Vegetables:
Slice the bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Shred the carrots and mix your greens.

3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, edamame, and green onions. Toss everything together.

4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Add the Crunch:
Top the salad with sliced almonds or cashews, fried wonton strips, and sesame seeds. These add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

6. Toss and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

Tips for the Best Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will make the salad more vibrant and crunchy.
Don’t Overdress the Salad: Add the dressing gradually to avoid making the salad soggy.
Chill Before Serving: For a more refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Spice it Up: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes if you prefer more heat.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your fried noodles are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.
As a Main Course: Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner, especially on a warm day.
With Rice or Noodles: Add a side of steamed rice or noodles for a heartier meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crunchiness.

Reheating:
If you prefer warm chicken, you can reheat the chicken separately and then add it to the cold salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance. Just keep them separate and combine them right before serving.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like snap peas, radishes, or red cabbage.

3. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

4. Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Try peanuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a different flavor and texture.

5. How do I make this salad more filling?
You can add cooked quinoa, rice noodles, or more protein like shrimp or tofu to make the salad more substantial.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a go-to dish for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad has you covered. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing will leave you craving more.

Yield: 4