Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette

Fijian Chicken Snowpeas Vinaigrette Recipe with Linguine

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender snow peas, crunchy bean sprouts, and savory chicken is complemented by a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic chicken salad. The addition of snow peas and vinaigrette dressing gives this dish a fresh and vibrant flavor. Chicken salads have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup tender, fresh snow peas, washed, lightly steamed or blanched
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 cup cooked chicken breast, cut into 1-inch strips
15 or more pitted green olives, chopped (add more to taste)
2 tbsp white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
(optional) 1 tsp mustard (classic French vinaigrette includes this)
(optional) 1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced finely
(optional) 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 oz (227 g) cooked linguine or pasta of your choice

How to prepare

Cook the pasta and drain it.
Lightly steam or blanch the snow peas, then refresh them by briefly plunging them in boiling water and immediately rinsing them with cold water.
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
To make the vinaigrette dressing, measure 2 tbsp of vinegar into a mixing bowl. Optionally, add mustard, minced garlic or ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add 6 tbsp of olive oil and mix well again. Alternatively, you can use a mixing jar and make a larger quantity to save for other salads.
Combine the cooked pasta, snow peas, chicken, and other ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the vinaigrette dressing and stir well again. Taste for seasoning.

Variations

Add sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.
Use different types of pasta or grains, such as quinoa or couscous, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch or steam the snow peas just until they are bright green and tender. Overcooking them can make them mushy.

- For a more flavorful vinaigrette, add minced garlic or ginger to the dressing.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette dish on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. It can also be served with crusty bread or a side of quinoa for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Lightly steam or blanch the snow peas to retain their crisp texture.

- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute green olives with black olives or capers for a different flavor profile.

- Use any type of protein, such as turkey or ham, in place of chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the vinaigrette dressing right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of tender snow peas, crunchy bean sprouts, and savory chicken, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette. It was a sunny afternoon in the late 1960s, and I was visiting my good friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. Martha was a fantastic cook, always coming up with new and exciting dishes to try. On this particular day, she had a gleam in her eye as she told me about a recipe she had recently discovered in an old cookbook she had picked up at a flea market.

As Martha excitedly flipped through the pages of the cookbook, she pointed out the recipe for Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy snowpeas, and tangy vinaigrette sounded absolutely delicious to me. Martha explained that she had made the dish for her family the night before, and they had all raved about it.

Eager to learn how to make this new and intriguing dish, I asked Martha if she could teach me the recipe. With a smile, she agreed and we set to work in her kitchen. Martha patiently guided me through each step, from marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, to blanching the snowpeas until they were just tender-crisp.

As the enticing aromas of the dish filled the kitchen, Martha showed me how to make the vinaigrette dressing from scratch, combining vinegar, honey, and sesame oil for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. When the dish was finally complete, we sat down at the table and enjoyed a delicious meal together, savoring every bite of the tender chicken, crisp snowpeas, and zesty vinaigrette.

From that day on, Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette became a staple in my own kitchen. I made the dish countless times for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. Over the years, I added my own personal touches to the dish, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it truly my own.

One of my favorite memories of making Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were always so excited to help me in the kitchen, eager to learn how to cook like their grandmother. I remember teaching them how to marinate the chicken, blanch the snowpeas, and make the vinaigrette dressing from scratch.

As we cooked together, sharing stories and laughter, I could see the joy and satisfaction in their eyes as they created something delicious from scratch. It was a special moment that I will always cherish, knowing that I was passing down a beloved recipe to the next generation.

Through the years, I continued to make Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette for special occasions and everyday meals alike. Each time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen, where I first discovered the thrill of stumbling upon a new and exciting recipe.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of cooking, I feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a special moment shared with loved ones. And as I prepare Chicken, Snowpeas and Vinaigrette once again, I know that I am not just making a meal, but creating a connection to the past and passing on a tradition to the future.