Asian-Inspired Chicken and Cucumber Salad
This vibrant Asian-Inspired Chicken and Cucumber Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at your next gathering. Tender, shredded chicken is paired with crisp cucumbers, all tossed in a savory dressing that balances the umami of soy sauce with a touch of sweetness from sugar and tang from vinegar. Garnished with fresh scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a splash of color to your table.
4
Servings
105
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
2 (boneless, cooked and shredded)
cucumbers
2 (peeled into strips)
soy sauce
6 tablespoons (for dressing)
vinegar
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (for dressing)
scallions
2 (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
2
Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool. Once cool, use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3
While the chicken cools, prepare the cucumbers. Use a vegetable peeler to create long strips, discarding the skin. Place the cucumber strips in a large mixing bowl.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves completely.
5
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the cucumbers. Pour the dressing over the chicken and cucumbers, then toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
6
Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Top with the chopped scallions for added flavor and crunch and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
2.5
Carbs
12.5
Protein
0.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asian-Inspired Chicken and Cucumber Salad?
It is a vibrant fusion dish featuring shredded chicken and crisp cucumber strips tossed in a savory soy and sesame dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the salad?
The main ingredients are chicken breasts, cucumbers, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and scallions.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 105 calories per serving.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it contains 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken breasts should be boiled for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
How should the chicken be prepared after cooking?
Once cooled, use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
What is the best way to prepare the cucumbers?
Use a vegetable peeler to create long strips, discarding the skin.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the ingredients together and store them until you are ready to assemble the salad.
Is there any sugar in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sugar in the dressing to balance the flavors.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Is this a low-carb recipe?
Yes, with only 2.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is very low in carbs.
What type of vinegar should I use?
While the recipe specifies vinegar, rice vinegar is traditionally used in Asian-inspired dressings.
What is the purpose of the scallions?
Chopped scallions are used as a garnish to add flavor, color, and crunch.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is savory and tangy. You can add chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer heat.
How much fiber is in the Asian-Inspired Chicken and Cucumber Salad?
There is approximately 0.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, it is best served immediately after tossing while the chicken and cucumbers are fresh.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Shredded carrots or bell peppers would be excellent additions.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
You should use 2 teaspoons of finely minced garlic.
Can I substitute the sesame oil?
While sesame oil provides a unique nutty flavor, you can use a neutral oil if necessary, though the taste will change.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of soy sauce for the dressing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and a light lunch option.
What category of cuisine is this?
This recipe is categorized as Chinese-inspired cuisine.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural sweetener substitute for the teaspoon of sugar.
Do I need to peel the cucumber skin?
The recipe instructions recommend discarding the skin when creating the strips.
Is this a good dish for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing side dish perfect for gatherings.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless chicken breasts.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, chicken salad, cucumber salad, asian cuisine, and easy recipe.