Chinese Chicken Salad I

Chinese Chicken Salad I Recipe - Mouth-Watering Flavors of China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and is sure to satisfy your cravings for something healthy and tasty.

History

Chinese Chicken Salad is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s. It was inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine, but has been adapted to suit American tastes. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a tangy dressing has become a popular choice for those looking for a light and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice, cooled
1.5 cups cooked chicken breast cubes (about 1 whole breast)
1 cup sliced celery
1 8 oz (227 g) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
0.5 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
0.25 cup sliced green onions
0.25 cup diced red bell pepper
0.25 cup sliced black olives
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.25 to 0.5 tsp ground white pepper
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, celery, water chestnuts, mushrooms, onions, and red pepper.
In a small jar, combine oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, ginger, and white pepper. Shake well.
Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss lightly.
Serve the mixture on lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add mandarin oranges or pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
Use different vegetables, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, or snow peas.
Top the salad with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice and chicken ahead of time and allow them to cool before assembling the salad.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins, such as mandarin oranges, almonds, or sesame seeds.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.

- Make sure to toss the salad lightly to evenly distribute the dressing and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese Chicken Salad can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish alongside your favorite Chinese entrees. Pair it with steamed dumplings, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Chinese Chicken Salad is to cook the rice and chicken ahead of time and allow them to cool before assembling the salad. Be sure to toss the salad lightly to evenly distribute the dressing and flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this Chinese Chicken Salad with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or add-ins. You can also substitute the vegetable oil with sesame oil for a nutty flavor, or use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This Chinese Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble the salad without the dressing, and add the dressing just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Chinese Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Chinese Chicken Salad pairs well with a variety of Chinese dishes, such as stir-fries, noodles, or dumplings. Serve it alongside a pot of hot tea or a cold glass of iced tea for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Chinese Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chinese Chicken Salad contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Chinese Chicken Salad come primarily from the rice, vegetables, and dressing. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in this salad come from the vegetable oil used in the dressing. Fats are essential for the body to function properly, and can help with the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

The protein in this Chinese Chicken Salad comes from the chicken breast. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.

Summary

Overall, this Chinese Chicken Salad is a nutritious and delicious meal option. It is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is a great choice for those looking for a light and satisfying dish.

Summary

Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad. It was during a family trip to San Francisco when I was a young girl. We had stopped at a small Chinese restaurant in Chinatown for lunch, and I was fascinated by the array of dishes being served at the table next to us. One dish in particular caught my eye - a colorful and fragrant salad that looked absolutely delicious.

I asked our waiter what it was called, and he told me it was Chinese Chicken Salad. Intrigued, I begged my parents to order it for me to try. From the first bite, I was hooked. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I made a mental note to ask our waiter for the recipe before we left.

As we were finishing our meal, I mustered up the courage to approach the waiter and ask him for the recipe. To my surprise, he was more than happy to share it with me. He scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a napkin, and I clutched it tightly as if it were a precious treasure.

When we returned home, I couldn't wait to recreate the Chinese Chicken Salad in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions to the letter, my heart racing with excitement. The salad turned out just as delicious as I remembered it from the restaurant in San Francisco. I was overjoyed with the results and couldn't wait to share it with my family.

From that day on, Chinese Chicken Salad became a staple in our household. I made it for every special occasion and family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite among my loved ones. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit our tastes.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different variations of the salad, adding new ingredients and flavors to keep things interesting. I learned to make my own homemade dressing, using a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

I also discovered the importance of marinating the chicken before cooking it, to ensure that it was tender and flavorful. I would let the chicken soak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least an hour before grilling or baking it to perfection.

One day, while visiting a friend who was also a food enthusiast, I shared my recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad with her. She was impressed by the flavors and textures of the dish and suggested that I enter it in a local cooking competition. I hesitated at first, unsure of my abilities compared to other talented cooks in the area. But with her encouragement, I decided to give it a shot.

To my surprise and delight, my Chinese Chicken Salad won first prize in the competition. I was overwhelmed with joy and pride, knowing that my grandmother's recipe had captured the hearts and taste buds of so many people. From that moment on, I became known as the "Chinese Chicken Salad Queen" among my friends and family.

As the years went by, I continued to make and share my beloved recipe with anyone who would listen. I taught my children and grandchildren how to make it, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next. And every time I whip up a batch of Chinese Chicken Salad, I am transported back to that fateful day in San Francisco when I first fell in love with this dish.

In the end, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad. It has brought me joy, fulfillment, and a sense of connection to my roots. And as long as I have breath in my body, I will continue to cook and share this beloved dish with all those who hold a special place in my heart.