Taiwanese Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad Recipe

Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad

Taiwanese Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad Recipe
Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad
Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad

This Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a savory soy sauce dressing makes for a delicious and satisfying salad.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian cold salads that often feature a combination of protein, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. The use of cucumbers in this dish adds a refreshing crunch, while the chicken provides a hearty and satisfying element.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cook the chicken in boiling water. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove the chicken from the water, let it cool, and shred it (or tear it by hand).
  3. Peel the cucumbers into strips, including the skin, and place the strips in a large bowl.
  4. Place the shredded chicken on top of the cucumber strips. Mix the sauce and pour it on top.
  5. Sprinkle scallions on the salad.
  6. This recipe serves four as an appetizer.

Variations

  • Add some sliced red bell peppers or carrots for added color and crunch.
  • Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
  • Add some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through to ensure food safety.

- Shred the chicken while it is still warm for easier shredding.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken ensures that it is fully cooked and tender.

- Shredding the chicken while warm makes it easier to shred.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different flavor and texture.

- Rice vinegar can be used instead of regular vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix the dressing right before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a side of steamed rice or noodles, and a glass of iced green tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 8 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium from the cucumbers.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

This Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. With a flavorful soy sauce dressing and tender chicken, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, a refreshing aroma of fresh herbs and tangy vinegar filled the air. I knew I was in for a treat.

Sarah greeted me with a warm smile and a cold glass of lemonade. She then led me to the dining table where a beautiful spread of dishes awaited us. Among them was a bowl of Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad. The sight of the vibrant green cucumbers and tender chunks of chicken tossed in a creamy dressing was enough to make my mouth water.

Sarah saw my excitement and chuckled. "I knew you would love this salad, Helen. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations," she said.

Intrigued, I asked Sarah how she learned to make such a unique and delicious dish. She smiled knowingly and began to recount the story of how she acquired the recipe.

"It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My grandmother was known for her exceptional cooking skills and her garden was always filled with the freshest produce. One summer, she decided to host a grand feast for the whole village and asked me to help her in the kitchen.

As we gathered the ingredients for the feast, my grandmother taught me the art of cooking with love and care. She showed me how to choose the best vegetables, how to season dishes just right, and most importantly, how to create a harmony of flavors that would delight the senses.

On the day of the feast, the village gathered around the long tables filled with food. My grandmother's Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad was the star of the show. People couldn't get enough of it and many asked for the recipe. But my grandmother kept it a closely guarded secret, only sharing it with me.

Years passed and I moved away from the countryside to start a family of my own. I always treasured the memories of those days spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking. And when she passed away, I inherited her recipe book, filled with all her culinary secrets.

One day, as I was flipping through the pages of her old recipe book, I stumbled upon the handwritten notes for the Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad. I couldn't believe my luck! It was like a piece of my grandmother was still with me, guiding me through the kitchen.

I decided to recreate the salad for my own family and friends, adding my own little twists to make it my own. Over the years, it became a staple at our gatherings and parties, always bringing smiles to the faces of those who tasted it.

And now, here I am, sharing this precious recipe with you, Helen. I hope you will enjoy making it as much as I do. Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe, it's about putting your heart and soul into every dish you create."

As I listened to Sarah's story, I felt a deep connection to her and her grandmother. I could sense the love and passion that went into creating this Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad, and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

After lunch, Sarah handed me a copy of the recipe, written in her grandmother's elegant handwriting. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish it forever.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients for the salad and followed the recipe to the letter. As I mixed the creamy dressing, sliced the cucumbers, and shredded the chicken, I could feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen, guiding my hands with every step.

When I finally took a bite of the finished salad, I was transported back to that hot summer day at Sarah's house. The flavors exploded in my mouth, refreshing and satisfying at the same time. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in my own family, passed down from generation to generation.

And so, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the memories and traditions that a simple dish like Chicken and Cucumber Cold Salad can hold. Cooking is not just about feeding our bodies, it's about nourishing our souls and connecting us to our past.

I hope that one day, you too will have the chance to create your own culinary masterpieces, filled with love, history, and delicious flavors. And who knows, maybe you'll even come up with a recipe that will be cherished by your own grandchildren, just like this one has been by me.

Categories

| Chicken Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Sesame Oil Recipes | Taiwanese Appetizers | Taiwanese Recipes | Taiwanese Salads |

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