Chicken Crunch Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
Looking for a healthy and flavorful salad recipe? This chicken crunch salad with spicy peanut dressing is the answer.
Ingredients
Chicken crunch salad
- 1 large English cucumber
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 1 package ramen noodles , like the kind you ate in college, crushed into small pieces and toasted in a skillet for 5 minutes.
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeno , remove the seeds and veins before dicing
- ¼ cup diced shallots
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped scallions
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Few turns fresh cracked black pepper
Spicy peanut dressing
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional toppings:
- red pepper flakes
- sesame seeds
- crushed cashews or peanuts
Equipment
- pot to boil the chicken
- julienne peeler
- blender
- colander
- skillet
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- Boil a pot of water and add the chicken tenderloins.
- Boil for 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Drain the water using a colander and allow the chicken to cool.
- Once the chicken is cool to the touch, shred the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the cucumber:
- Using the julienne peeler, begin peeling the outer layer of the cucumber. After about 2-3 passes, you will rotate the cucumber and peel the next side.
- Avoid peeling into the center as it is too watery and has seeds.
- Place the long cucumber strands on a paper towel and press out any excess moisture.
Prepare the dressing:
- Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, sriracha, lime juice, and warm water to a blender. Buzz until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the ramen:
- Simply crush the ramen into small pieces and add it to a skillet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Toast for 5 minutes until it is slightly browned. Set aside.
Prepare the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced jalapeno, diced shallots, salt, chopped scallions, toasted ramen noodles and cucumber strands. Toss everything together.
- Top with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of the spicy peanut dressing.
- Serve with lime wedges and enjoy. Best served chilled.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 385kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 1378mg, Potassium: 800mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 234IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 53mg, Iron: 2mg