Chicken Noodle Salad Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Cold Chicken Noodle Salad

This refreshing cold chicken noodle salad is packed with vibrant flavors and crunchy textures. It's the perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner, and can easily be prepared in advance for a flavorful make-ahead meal. The combination of tender chicken, spaghetti, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing creates a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha chile sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cooked chicken breast
• 1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts
• cup chopped fresh basil
• cup chopped fresh mint
• cup chopped cilantro

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to make the dressing.
2. Shred the cooked chicken breast into strips that are about the same width as the spaghetti. Refrigerate the chicken until ready to use.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water.
4. Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken, grated carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
5. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything together by hand until it is well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes (up to 12 hours).
7. Before serving, add the chopped peanuts, fresh basil, mint, and cilantro to the salad. Toss well to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

Chefs Tips

• If you dont have leftover chicken, you can make poached chicken breasts by following a simple recipe, like the one for Lighter Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
• For the best texture and appearance, use a mandolin to julienne the carrots into fine strips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 441
• Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (9% DV)
• Cholesterol: 18mg (6% DV)
• Sodium: 1543mg (67% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 65g (23% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (20% DV)
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 20g (40% DV)
• Vitamin C: 47mg (52% DV)
• Calcium: 70mg (5% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (19% DV)
• Potassium: 560mg (12% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

The chicken noodle salad is a modern twist on traditional Asian-inspired dishes. Its origins can be traced back to the influence of Southeast Asian cuisine, where cold noodle salads are commonly served as refreshing side dishes or light meals. These salads often combine tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, savory dressing. In the case of this recipe, the addition of chicken elevates the dish, making it a more filling option suitable for lunch or dinner. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, integrating Western ingredients like spaghetti and roasted peanuts, which are not typically found in traditional Asian salads.

Regional Variations

While the basic structure of a chicken noodle salad can be found across various cuisines, the ingredients and dressing vary depending on the region. In Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand and Vietnam favor rice noodles and incorporate flavors such as lemongrass, mint, and fish sauce. Meanwhile, in Western adaptations like the one presented in this recipe, the salad often features spaghetti noodles and a more pronounced use of ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil, creating a fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Chicken noodle salads are often compared to other noodle-based dishes such as pasta salads or Asian noodle bowls. However, what sets this dish apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and noodles. The dressing, which includes a mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, and sriracha, imparts a rich umami flavor and a subtle heat, making it more complex than typical pasta salad dressings that are often creamy or vinaigrette-based.

Where It's Typically Served

This chicken noodle salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues, where its cold and refreshing nature is most appreciated. It also works as a light, satisfying meal for lunch or dinner, especially when you need something quick and easy to prepare. The dish can be served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone option, and its particularly popular in the United States as a fusion dish with Asian flavors. Many restaurants offering Asian fusion cuisine feature variations of noodle salads as part of their menu.

Fun Facts

1. While the dish typically uses spaghetti noodles in this recipe, you can easily swap them for rice noodles or even ramen, giving the salad a more authentic Asian touch.

2. The use of fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the salads freshness and aroma. In traditional Asian salads, herbs are often used in large quantities to enhance the dishs flavor profile.

3. The dressing used in this recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be adjusted to suit your tasteadd more sriracha for extra spice, or increase the sugar for a sweeter dressing. The balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy is a hallmark of many Asian dishes, making this salad both delicious and dynamic.

FAQ about Chicken Noodle Salad Recipe

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