Almond Chicken Salad

Almond Chicken Salad Recipe - A Delicious Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Almond Chicken Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the crunchiness of fresh vegetables with the richness of almonds and the tender texture of chicken. This salad is perfect for those who seek a healthy yet flavorful meal option. Its combination of ingredients not only offers a delightful taste but also a variety of textures that make every bite interesting. This recipe is ideal for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a main course for dinner.

History

The concept of chicken salad has been around for centuries, with variations of it appearing in different cultures around the world. The addition of almonds to chicken salad is a relatively modern twist that adds a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall dining experience. This particular recipe, with its Asian-inspired dressing, reflects the fusion of Western and Eastern culinary traditions, showcasing how global influences can come together to create a dish that is both familiar and new.

Ingredients

4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
1 red bell pepper, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
0.5 lb (227 g) sugar snap peas, halved
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast meat
0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
0.5 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
2 tbsp white sugar
2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp ground dry mustard

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine carrots, red pepper, peas, chicken, onions, cilantro, and almonds.
To make the dressing, mix together sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, teriyaki, and dry mustard.
Pour the dressing onto the salad before serving.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as cucumber or avocado, and nuts like walnuts or pecans for different flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful, consider poaching it in broth or water with a few aromatics like garlic, onion, and herbs. For the almonds, toasting them lightly in a dry pan or in the oven will enhance their flavor. When preparing the vegetables, aim for uniform pieces to ensure they blend well in the salad and absorb the dressing evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own or alongside a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or can be used as a filling for wraps.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this salad is in the preparation of the ingredients. Ensuring the vegetables are fresh and the chicken is cooked just right will make a significant difference in the final dish. The dressing should be whisked until emulsified and tasted for balance before adding it to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If sesame oil is not available, olive oil can be used as a substitute. Soy sauce can replace teriyaki sauce for a slightly different flavor profile. Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of white sugar for the dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepared in advance, with the dressing stored separately and added just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the almonds crunchy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few cilantro leaves for garnish. A lime wedge on the side adds a nice touch of color and allows guests to adjust the acidity to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a citrusy, hoppy beer pairs beautifully with the flavors of this salad. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime complements the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It is not recommended to freeze this salad. If needed, the chicken can be reheated gently, but the salad itself should be consumed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Almond Chicken Salad is relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. A typical serving contains approximately 200-300 calories, depending on the exact proportions of ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

This Almond Chicken Salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the vegetables and the sugar in the dressing. The total carbohydrate content will vary depending on the exact serving size, but a typical serving may contain approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this salad come mainly from the sesame oil and almonds. Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. Almonds are a good source of monounsaturated fats, also beneficial for heart health. The overall fat content per serving is moderate, making this salad a good option for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. A serving of this salad provides a substantial amount of protein, thanks to the inclusion of chopped, cooked chicken, making it a satisfying meal that can help keep you full for longer.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables and almonds. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Bell peppers and green onions provide vitamin C, while almonds offer vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Together, these nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are almonds (tree nuts) and sesame oil (sesame). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Almond Chicken Salad is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Summary

Almond Chicken Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. It is versatile, easy to prepare, and suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a satisfying main course, this salad is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished tending to my garden when my dear friend Martha came over for a visit. We sat on the porch, sipping iced tea and catching up on each other's lives.

As we chatted, Martha mentioned that she had recently attended a potluck luncheon where one of the guests had brought a delicious almond chicken salad. She raved about how flavorful and satisfying it was, and how she couldn't stop thinking about it.

Intrigued, I asked Martha if she managed to get the recipe from the person who made it. She nodded and reached into her purse, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. "Here it is," she said, handing it to me with a smile.

I eagerly looked over the ingredients and instructions, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of trying out a new recipe. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy almonds, sweet grapes, and tangy dressing sounded absolutely divine.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. As I chopped, mixed, and stirred, the fragrant smells wafting through the air filled me with anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Finally, the almond chicken salad was ready. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender chicken, the crunch of the almonds, the burst of sweetness from the grapes – it was everything Martha had promised and more.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy summer afternoons.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. Sometimes I'll throw in a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of color, or drizzle a bit of honey into the dressing for extra sweetness.

I have shared this recipe with friends, family, and neighbors, each time passing on a piece of myself through the food I prepare. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to show love and care through a shared meal.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day when Martha shared the recipe with me, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and memories that this almond chicken salad has brought into my life. It has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of friendship, community, and the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones.

And so, I continue to cook and create, always on the lookout for new recipes and flavors to add to my ever-growing collection. But no matter how many dishes I try, the almond chicken salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of that wonderful moment when a simple recipe brought so much happiness into my life.