Welcome to the delightful fusion of East meets West – the Chicken Teriyaki Salad. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. The star of the show is the succulent chicken, marinated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, and then grilled to perfection. Paired with a medley of crisp, fresh vegetables and served on a bed of vibrant greens, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Topped off with a drizzle of homemade teriyaki dressing, our Chicken Teriyaki Salad offers a unique twist on a classic dish. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad promises a delightful culinary experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Tokyo. So, grab your chopsticks, and let’s dive into this delectable adventure!
What is chicken teriyaki salad?
Teriyaki is a traditional Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling meat, fish, or vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sake, and mirin. The word “teriyaki” is derived from the Japanese words “teri,” meaning luster or glaze, and “yaki,” meaning grilled or broiled. This method of cooking was popularized in the 17th century during the Edo period in Japan and has since become a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Chicken Teriyaki Salad is a dish that combines the bold and savory flavors of Japanese teriyaki with fresh and crisp salad greens. It typically consists of grilled or seared chicken that has been marinated in a teriyaki sauce and served on top of a bed of mixed greens and vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers. The salad is then finished off with a homemade teriyaki dressing for an extra burst of flavor. The result is a well-balanced and satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love this chicken teriyaki salad?
There are many reasons why this salad is a must-try for any food lover. First and foremost, the combination of juicy chicken and crisp vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures in every bite. The sweet and tangy teriyaki marinade adds depth of flavor to the chicken, making it tender and mouthwatering. Additionally, the homemade teriyaki dressing elevates the dish to a whole new level with its unique blend of ingredients that complement the other flavors perfectly.
Another reason to love this salad is its versatility. You can customize it according to your preferences and dietary restrictions.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it also offers a healthy and balanced meal option. Packed with protein from the chicken and a variety of vegetables, this dish provides essential nutrients to fuel your body while satisfying your taste buds. It’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence for any time of the day.
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The Ingredients
- Diced Cooked Chicken: The main protein in this salad, chicken adds a satisfying, hearty component that makes this more than just a side dish. Its mild flavor pairs well with the teriyaki sauce.
- Farfalle/Bowtie Pasta: This provides the base of the salad and gives it substance. Its shape holds onto the dressing well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Dry Roasted Peanuts/Cashews: These add a welcome crunch to the salad and their rich, nutty flavor complements the other ingredients. They also provide additional protein.
- Mandarin Oranges: These offer a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory elements of the salad. They also contribute a refreshing burst of citrus.
- Baby Spinach Leaves: A nutritious green that adds color, fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to the salad.
- Dried Cranberries: Their tartness and sweetness add another layer of flavor, while their chewy texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy nuts and crisp vegetables.
- Water Chestnuts: These provide a unique crunch and their mild flavor allows them to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
- Sweet Onion: It adds a slight pungency, balancing out the sweet and savory components of the salad.
For the dressing:
- Vegetable or Canola Oil: The oil helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth consistency that coats the salad ingredients well.
- Teriyaki Sauce: This is where the salad gets its signature flavor from. It’s sweet, salty, and a little bit tangy, making it the perfect complement to the chicken and pasta.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity to the dressing, which helps to balance out the richness of the oil and the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating the diced chicken in teriyaki sauce. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better flavor, refrigerate it overnight. This marinating process infuses the chicken with delightful teriyaki flavors.
Step 2: Cook and Prep the Pasta
Cook the farfalle pasta following the package instructions. Once cooked to your desired tenderness, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Rinsing stops the cooking process and ensures the pasta remains firm and ready for the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, create the dressing by mixing vegetable oil, teriyaki sauce, and rice wine vinegar. This dressing will lend a delightful balance of flavors to the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled farfalle pasta, marinated diced chicken, dry roasted nuts, mandarin oranges, baby spinach leaves, dried cranberries, water chestnuts, and sweet onion. These ingredients contribute to the salad’s texture and taste profile.
Step 5: Toss with Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all components. This step imparts a harmonious blend of flavors to the salad.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
To serve, chill the salad and present it on a bed of baby spinach leaves. For a finishing touch, garnish with additional nuts and mandarin oranges. This not only adds extra flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your salad.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta for this salad, but farfalle works best as it holds onto the dressing and other ingredients well.
- For added protein, you can also add boiled eggs or tofu to the salad.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the amount of oil in the recipe.
- This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it before serving.
Nutrition Information
How to store chicken teriyaki salad?
To ensure maximum freshness, store any leftover chicken teriyaki salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be kept for up to 3-4 days. Before serving again, make sure to give it a good mix and possibly add more dressing if needed. This salad is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy when thawed. So, enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Variations
If you’re looking to customize this Chicken Teriyaki Salad, here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the farfalle pasta for your favorite type of pasta. Fusilli or penne would work well in this dish.
- Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Add in other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or diced cucumber for more color and texture.
- Use honey instead of sugar to make the dressing sweeter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced cooked chicken
- 1 pkg. 12 oz. of farfalle/bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup of dry roasted peanuts/cashews
- 1 can 15 oz. of mandarin oranges
- 1 pkg. 5 oz. of baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 can 8 oz. of water chestnuts
- 2 tbsp of sweet onion
- dressing:
- 6 tbsp of vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup + 4 tbsp of teriyaki sauce
- 6 tbsp of rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate diced chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes or, ideally, overnight in the fridge.
- Cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- Create the dressing by mixing vegetable oil, teriyaki sauce, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked and cooled farfalle pasta, marinated chicken, dry roasted nuts, mandarin oranges, baby spinach leaves, dried cranberries, water chestnuts, and sweet onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve the salad chilled, preferably on a bed of baby spinach leaves, and top it with additional nuts and mandarin oranges for garnish.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta for this salad, but farfalle works best as it holds onto the dressing and other ingredients well.
- For added protein, you can also add boiled eggs or tofu to the salad.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the amount of oil in the recipe.
- This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it before serving.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can fresh cranberries be used instead of dried ones?
Fresh cranberries have a different taste and texture compared to dried ones. They are much more tart and less sweet. If you want to use fresh cranberries, you might want to add some extra sweetener to balance the tartness.
Can I use other fruits instead of mandarin oranges?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with other fruits in this salad. Canned peaches, with their sweet and slightly tart flavor, could be a good substitute for mandarin oranges. Fresh mango chunks, with their tropical sweetness, could also provide an interesting twist.
The key is to choose a fruit that will offer a refreshing contrast to the savory components of the salad. Just keep in mind that the fruit should not overpower the other flavors in the salad.
How can I make my salad low-carb?
If you’re following a low-carb diet, there are several ways you can modify this Chicken Teriyaki Salad. One simple way is to reduce the amount of pasta and increase the quantity of vegetables, such as spinach, water chestnuts, and onions. You could also replace the pasta entirely with a low-carb alternative.
Spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles”) are excellent options that still provide a satisfying bite. They also absorb the teriyaki dressing well, ensuring you don’t lose any of the salad’s signature flavor.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Chicken Teriyaki Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the best of both Eastern and Western flavors. With its juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and homemade teriyaki dressing, it’s a well-balanced meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. Plus, with its make-ahead capabilities, it’s the perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or as a quick and easy lunch option.
So why not give this recipe a try and add it to your list of go-to salads? Your taste buds will thank you! Finally, if you enjoyed this salad recipe, be sure to check out our other recipes for more!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more