Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of vibrant flavors and textures? Dive into the world of Asian cuisine with our refreshing Asian Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Salad! This delightful dish combines tender rice noodles, succulent chicken, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a savory sesame dressing that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking process.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and julienne bell peppers into thin strips. Peel and shred carrots using a grater or mandoline. Finely chop green onions, separating white and green parts.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and white parts of green onions to create the dressing. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooked and cooled rice noodles, shredded chicken, carrots, and bell peppers. Pour prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and remaining green onion tops over the salad. Toss once more to distribute seeds and garnish evenly.
- Chill salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing main course or side dish.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: To achieve the ideal texture, be careful not to overcook the rice noodles. Keep an eye on them while they boil and rinse them immediately under cold water after draining to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Snap peas, cucumbers, or even shredded cabbage can add a unique twist to your salad.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, let the salad chill for a bit longer than 15 minutes. This allows the noodles and vegetables to soak up the delicious dressing.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
- Add Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews just before serving. They provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft noodles and tender chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
