Chilled Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce: A Healthy and Light Summer Dish

Chilled Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce: A Healthy and Light Summer Dish

Table of contents

Ingredients

To make this noodle salad, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced into thin strips - 1-2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded - 200g wheat noodles, cooked according to package instructions and rinsed in cold water - 2 tbsp sesame seeds - 2 tbsp chopped scallions For the sesame sauce, you will need: - 2 tbsp soy sauce - 2 tbsp rice vinegar - 2 tbsp sesame oil - 1 tbsp honey - 1 tsp grated ginger - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

The chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce is a perfect dish for the summer season. It is light, refreshing, and packed with flavors. To prepare this tasty salad, you will need a few essential ingredients.

Firstly, you will require fresh cucumbers. Make sure to select firm and crispy cucumbers as they will give the salad a refreshing crunch. You will also need shredded chicken, which you can prepare by boiling chicken breasts and then shredding them with a fork.

Next, you will need noodles. You can choose any type of noodles you like, but we recommend using thin noodles such as vermicelli or somen noodles. These noodles are light and perfect for the summer season.

For the sesame sauce, you will need sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and garlic. These ingredients are essential for creating the perfect blend of flavors that will elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Finally, you will need some toppings, such as sesame seeds and scallions. These toppings will add a final touch of flavor and texture to the salad.

Overall, the ingredients for this chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce are simple, healthy, and easy to find. Once you have gathered these ingredients, you can move on to the next step of preparing this delicious summer dish.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the sesame sauce. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, shredded chicken, and cooked noodles. 3. Pour the sesame sauce over the noodle salad and toss to combine. 4. Top with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. 5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. 6. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Whisk together the sesame sauce

The sesame sauce is the heart of this chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad. It's a simple yet flavorful combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili oil. The sauce is not only easy to make, but it also adds a tangy and nutty flavor to the dish.

To make the sesame sauce, you'll need to whisk together the ingredients in a bowl until they are fully combined. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more honey for sweetness or more chili oil for heat.

One thing to keep in mind is that the sesame oil can be quite strong, so you should use it sparingly. A little bit goes a long way, and you don't want to overpower the other flavors in the dish. It's also important to use a high-quality sesame oil to get the best flavor.

Once you've whisked together the sesame sauce, you can set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Overall, the sesame sauce is a crucial component of this dish, and it's what makes it stand out from other noodle salads. Its unique flavor and versatility make it a great addition to any recipe, and it's perfect for adding a touch of Asian flair to your meals.

Combine the ingredients

Once you have prepared the sesame sauce to your liking, it's time to move on to the next step: combining the ingredients for the chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad. This step is crucial to creating a well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.

First, you will need to prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked, rinse them under cold water and set them aside.

Next, prepare the chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. You can use a rotisserie chicken or cook the chicken yourself using your preferred method. Either way, make sure the chicken is cooled before adding it to the salad.

Now it's time to prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumber and cut the carrot into thin matchsticks. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or radishes if you like.

Once all of the ingredients are prepared, combine them in a large bowl. Add the noodles, chicken, cucumber, carrot, and any additional vegetables you have chosen.

Finally, pour the sesame sauce over the top and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Be sure to mix the salad well so that the flavors are evenly distributed.

This chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame sauce is a healthy and light summer dish that is perfect for a hot day. It's easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking with different vegetables or protein sources. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Pour the sesame sauce and toss to combine

After whisking together the flavorful sesame sauce for this chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad, it's time to pour it over the rest of the ingredients and toss to combine. This step is crucial to ensuring that every bite of the salad is coated in the delicious sauce and that the flavors are evenly distributed.

As you pour the sauce, make sure to use a spatula or salad tongs to toss the ingredients together. Be gentle as you do so, making sure not to break the delicate cucumber slices or shred the chicken too finely. Tossing the salad also helps to distribute the sauce evenly, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

As you combine the ingredients, take a moment to appreciate the colorful and vibrant nature of this dish. The bright green cucumbers, tender shredded chicken, and chewy noodles are all beautifully complemented by the rich and nutty sesame sauce. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Once the salad is fully tossed and the sauce is evenly distributed, it's time to add the finishing touches. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions on top add a pop of color and texture to the dish. These garnishes also add a nutty and savory flavor that perfectly complements the sesame sauce.

Finally, before serving, make sure to chill the salad to ensure that it's refreshing and crisp. This step is particularly important during the hot summer months when you want something light and cool to enjoy. With its combination of refreshing ingredients and flavorful sauce, this chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad is the perfect summer dish.

Top with sesame seeds and scallions

After you've combined all of the ingredients and poured the sesame sauce over your chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad, it's time to add some final touches to bring out the flavors and add some extra texture. One of the best ways to do this is by topping your dish with sesame seeds and scallions.

Sesame seeds are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are often used to enhance the flavor of dishes. They add a nutty and slightly sweet taste to the salad, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Not only do they taste great, but sesame seeds are also packed with nutrients, such as fiber and healthy fats, making them a great addition to any dish.

Scallions, also known as green onions, add a fresh and slightly pungent taste to the salad. They also provide a nice crunch that complements the tender noodles and chicken. Scallions are high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

To top your chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame seeds and scallions, simply sprinkle them over the top of the dish before serving. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your personal preference. Not only does this add flavor and texture, but it also makes for a visually appealing dish.

In conclusion, topping your chilled cucumber and shredded chicken noodle salad with sesame seeds and scallions is a simple and delicious way to elevate the dish. Not only do these toppings add flavor and texture, but they also provide numerous health benefits. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy and light summer dish!

Chill before serving

After putting in all the effort to make this delicious Chilled Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce, it's important to ensure that it's served at the right temperature for optimum flavor and enjoyment.

Chilling the salad before serving not only enhances its taste but also gives it a refreshing and cooling effect perfect for those hot summer days. As the name suggests, the dish is meant to be served cold, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.

To chill the salad, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. It's important to note that the salad can be prepared a day in advance and chilled overnight for even better flavor.

The chilled salad is a light and healthy summer dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. The coolness of the dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats or seafood, making it a great addition to any summer BBQ or picnic.

In conclusion, chilling the Chilled Cucumber and Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad with Sesame Sauce before serving is crucial to enhance its taste and provide a refreshing effect. So, make sure to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to chill the dish before serving.

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