Sesame Ginger Chicken & Broccoli Salad
This vibrant Sesame Ginger Chicken & Broccoli Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a refreshing meal. Tender pieces of poached chicken are combined with crisp broccoli florets, crunchy cashew nuts, and a zesty homemade dressing featuring hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this salad is not only flavorful but also healthy, making it a great addition to any table. Enjoy it as a light lunch, dinner, or even a potluck dish!
8
Servings
450
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken, Chinese style
1 (poached and shredded)
fresh broccoli florets
1.5 lbs (blanched)
granulated garlic
0.5 tsp (none)
granulated onion
1 tsp (none)
salt
1 tbsp (to taste)
water
as needed (for poaching and blanching)
red preserved ginger, Mee Chun Brand
0.5 cup (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 (thinly sliced)
hoisin sauce
0.5 cup (none)
Shaoxing wine
2 tbsp (none)
sesame oil
1 tsp (none)
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
0.5 cup (none)
whole cashew nuts
1 cup (toasted (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, place the Chinese-style whole chicken and cover it with water (about an inch above the chicken). Bring to a rolling boil, then boil for 5 minutes. Cover the pot and turn off the heat, allowing the chicken to poach gently in the residual heat for 1 hour. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it cool on a baking pan. Lightly rub a small amount of oil on the chicken, season with salt, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2
For the dressing, combine hoisin sauce, ranch dressing, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk until thoroughly blended, then set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
3
In a separate large stockpot, fill halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add granulated garlic, granulated onion, and salt, and let it return to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure to drain all excess water.
4
In a large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, chopped preserved ginger, and shredded chicken. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the chilled dressing, and gently toss everything together until well coated. Lastly, fold in the toasted cashew nuts for an added crunch.
5
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature on a large serving platter or individual plates.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
15g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sesame Ginger Chicken & Broccoli Salad?
It is a vibrant blend of poached chicken, crisp broccoli, crunchy cashews, and a zesty dressing featuring hoisin, sesame oil, and ginger.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are 450 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad?
There are 25g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How is the chicken prepared in this recipe?
The chicken is boiled for 5 minutes, poached in residual heat for 1 hour, cooled, and then shredded.
What type of chicken should be used?
A Chinese-style whole chicken is recommended.
How long does the chicken need to poach in the pot?
The chicken needs to poach for 1 hour after the heat is turned off.
What is the secret to perfectly cooked broccoli in this recipe?
Blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing consists of hoisin sauce, ranch dressing, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil.
Which brand of ranch dressing is suggested?
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing is specified in the ingredients.
Is there a specific ginger recommended for this salad?
Yes, red preserved ginger from the Mee Chun Brand is used.
What type of wine is used in the dressing?
Shaoxing wine is used to add flavor to the dressing.
Are there any spicy elements in this salad?
Yes, one thinly sliced jalapeno pepper is included in the ingredients.
When should I add the toasted cashew nuts?
Fold the cashews in at the very end to ensure they stay crunchy.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
What seasonings are added to the blanching water?
Granulated garlic, granulated onion, and salt are added to the broccoli blanching water.
How should the chicken be seasoned after poaching?
Once cooled and shredded, season the chicken with salt and later add salt and pepper to the final mix.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a great addition to any table and ideal for potlucks.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Cantonese, salad, chicken, broccoli, asian flavors, healthy, and easy recipe.
Do I need to peel the chicken before shredding?
The recipe instructs to lightly rub oil on the chicken and then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt plus additional to taste.
What equipment is needed to prepare the chicken?
A large pot for boiling and a baking pan for cooling the chicken are required.
Should the dressing be used immediately after mixing?
The instructions recommend setting the dressing aside in the refrigerator to chill before using.
How long should the broccoli be blanched?
The broccoli florets should be blanched for about 2 to 3 minutes.
What is the preparation for the jalapeno?
The jalapeno should be thinly sliced.
How do I ensure the salad is well coated?
Pour the chilled dressing over the combined chicken and broccoli and gently toss everything together.
Is this a light or heavy meal?
It is described as a light meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Can I omit the cashew nuts?
Yes, the whole cashew nuts are listed as an optional ingredient.