Chicken Noodle Salad: A Flavorful and Refreshing Dish

Chicken Noodle Salad is the perfect summer dish, combining tender chicken, spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a spicy, tangy dressing that will make it your new favorite cookout dish. This Asian-inspired salad is vibrant, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It’s the ideal way to use up leftover chicken and incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether served at a cookout, picnic, or as a light dinner, this salad will surely impress your guests.

Quick Benefits

• Packed with Protein: The chicken and peanuts provide a good amount of protein, which helps support muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
• High in Fiber: Carrots and vegetables like bell peppers and green onions contribute fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
• Rich in Fresh Herbs: The fresh basil, mint, and cilantro in the salad add not only flavor but also antioxidants and nutrients.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha and change the vegetables to suit your preferences.

Essential Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Adds an aromatic depth to the dressing.
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar (½ cup): Provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds saltiness and umami.
• Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory depth of the dressing.
• Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the vinegar’s acidity with sweetness.
• Sriracha Chile Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds spice and heat.
• Hoisin Sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the dressing a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of saltiness.
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Adds nuttiness and richness to the dressing.

For the Salad:

• Cooked Chicken Breast (1): Shredded into strips for a protein-packed base.
• Spaghetti (1 package, 8 ounces): The base of the salad, replacing traditional pasta with a slightly firmer texture.
• Grated Carrots (1 cup): Adds sweetness and crunch to the salad.
• Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Green Onions (4, thinly sliced): Adds a mild onion flavor and crunch.
• Roasted, Salted Peanuts (½ cup, chopped): Provides a crunchy, salty topping.
• Fresh Basil (⅓ cup, chopped): Adds freshness and a fragrant flavor.
• Fresh Mint (⅓ cup, chopped): Gives the salad a refreshing and aromatic touch.
• Fresh Cilantro (⅓ cup, chopped): Adds a burst of citrusy flavor and complements the other herbs.

Preparation Steps

1. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Tear the cooked chicken breast into thin strips that are similar in width to the spaghetti. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down.
4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, grated carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss by hand until everything is well coated.
6. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for best flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 12 hours.
7. Finish the Salad: Just before serving, stir in the peanuts, basil, mint, and cilantro. Toss well and taste for seasoning. Adjust as needed.

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: This salad provides a healthy dose of protein, thanks to the chicken and peanuts, which helps with muscle repair and immune function.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, and fresh herbs offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants.
• Good for Digestion: The fiber from the vegetables and the pasta supports digestive health and regularity.
• Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and peanuts provide healthy fats, essential for brain health and overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for Potlucks or Cookouts: This Chicken Noodle Salad is an ideal dish to bring to a potluck or cookout, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and doesn’t require reheating.
• Serve as a Light Meal: This salad can easily serve as a refreshing and satisfying light meal, especially on warm days.
• Pair with Grilled Protein: For a more substantial meal, pair this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: For added flavor, top the salad with additional fresh herbs just before serving.

Creative Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like cucumbers, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes for more color and crunch.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the chicken and substitute with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. You can also use a vegan hoisin sauce for a completely vegan version.
• Make It Spicier: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add some chili flakes to the dressing to give the salad an extra kick.
• Noodles: If you prefer a different noodle, try rice noodles or soba noodles for a unique twist on the salad.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes as the dressing soaks into the noodles and vegetables.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change upon thawing.

Pro Tips

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors fully develop.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, cilantro, and mint are key ingredients that bring out the best in this salad, so use fresh herbs for optimal flavor.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also balance the heat with a little more sugar in the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, but spaghetti or another long pasta works best to balance with the shredded chicken and vegetables.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that the soy sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free.

Can I use other protein sources?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover beef for a different protein.

How do I store the dressing separately?
If you want to store the dressing separately, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, and add it to the salad just before serving.

Chicken Noodle Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a flavorful side dish or a satisfying main course. Its versatility, bold flavors, and healthy ingredients make it a go-to recipe for summer meals!

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