Asparagus, Rice Noodle & Pulled Chicken Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
Apr 18, 2024
A Cool Asian Noodle Salad includes a healthy mix of ingredients and a Sensational Blender Sesame Dressing – Gluten Free
What a delicious salad for Spring – especially when asparagus has been freshly harvested on a local farm.
There are a few components of the salad that can be made AHEAD OF TIME!
- Cooked Rice Noodles: I soak then 30 minutes in cool water, drain and boil for 2 minutes until al dente.
- Cooked Asparagus: Sauté cut asparagus in a little oil, then add water to cover half way and cover for 2 minutes ~ flavorful bright green color and tender crisp!
- Poached Chicken: Takes minutes: add to a small pan to fit, top with chicken broth and cook are bare simmer until done, about 8 minutes.
- Blender Sesame Dressing: Add all ingredients to a small food processor, blitz until creamy, 2 minutes. I use THIS ONE by Kitchenaid (it’s awesome… better than Cuisinart!
Thick or Thin?
Thin and thick spears as equally sweet, nutty, and grassy, but … thicker spears have a slightly better, more tender texture. The reason is that the fiber is somewhat more concentrated in thinner spears. I do LOVE thick asparagus – and YES they do need to be peeled, I do this very quickly with a Vegetable Y-Peeler (the one I use.)
Benefits of Asparagus:
- Asparagus packs nutrients—including vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, folate, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, and protein—and is a rich source of antioxidants.
- Its best to cook somewhat quickly – for just four minutes, otherwise might cause the precious vitamins to leach out.
- One cup = roughly 26.8 calories!
- Can be steamed, quickly boiled, roasted and grilled.
Now add The Blender Sesame Dressing and Cucumbers (I pleat them for visual effect.)
Next – add Sliced Scallions, Basil Leaves and a sprinkle of Toasted Sesame Seeds.
I LOVE this dressing!
- Lighter than “peanut sauce” with a good dose of orange flavor, but not overwhelming
- Sesame Tahini thickens and nourishes the dressing – add a little Roasted Peanut Oil (this is the best one! and non GMO) and Roasted Sesame Oil for flavor
- With enough ginger & garlic for a spicy bite!
- Creamy & flavorful, just the right consistency to grip the noodles without being heavy
- Can add a pinch of red Chili Flakes if you like
Enjoy this delicious Spring Salad!
AND – Visit your local Farmers’ Market to purchase local asparagus!
Karen
A SIMPLE Asparagus Recipe:
How to Simply Roast Spring Asparagus with Garlic, Almonds & Lemon: Easy roasted asparagus is done in just 10 minutes. Roasting heightens the vegetable’s flavor – and the toppings add a nice crunch and some nutty & zesty flavor!
Available Now ~ Check out my Farmers’ Market Jute Bag! It is designed by me with a zesty-flair and Fair Trade.
IT’S FARMERS MARKET SEASON!
Inside, there are pockets along the ends allowing you to keep your essentials including keys and phone handy, and a pouch with a velcro seal making it ideal for your wallet. The inside is also laminated so you can easily wipe it clean.
Asparagus, Rice Noodle & Pulled Chicken Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
A cool Asian Noodle Salad includes a healthy mix of ingredients and a blender Sesame Dressing - Gluten Free.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces rice noodles , cooked* medium width (soak and cook 2 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, divided
Asparagus:
- 1 pound fat asparagus
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil, expeller pressed
Poach Chicken:
- 2 medium sized boneless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Sesame Blender Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons sesame tahini
- 2 teaspoons garlic, peeled, coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon orange rind, pith removed, minced
- 1 teaspoon low sodium light tamari sauce, gluten free
- 1 tablespoon honey, can use coconut palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanut oil, I us non GMO
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons scallions, cut thinly on diagonal
- 1 medium Persian cucumber*, sliced very thinly on mandoline
Instructions
Rice Noodles:
- Cook rice noodles as package directs. Drain of all water, add to a bowl with 1 teaspoon neutral oil and ONE tablespoon sesame seeds, mix to combine; set aside.
Cook Asparagus:
- Trim rough ends of asparagus, peel lower half.Cut on diagonal - 2 " pieces. In a wide 12" skillet add 1 teaspoon oil, set heat to medium heat. Add asparagus, stir-fry for just 2 minutes. Add water to cover the asparagus half way and cover. Cook over a simmer until bright green, and tender crisp - about 2 minutes more. Drain in colander, refresh with cold water, set aside.
Poach Chicken:
- Add chicken breasts to a 8" skillet. Add chicken broth (will not be totally covered) and poach at a bare simmer for about 8 minutes. Will be firm, cooked through yet moist. Remove from broth, add to a plate, cover with a paper towel.
Blender Sesame Dressing:
- Add all ingredients to a small food processor (see the one I use) and blend for 2 minutes - scraping down the sides at one minute.
Compose the Salad:
- Add the noodles to a large plate or platter. "Pull" chicken breasts into long narrow strips - add to the noodles. Add the asparagus and cucumber (I pleat them.)
- Drizzle on the Sesame Sauce all over t coat well (may not us all the sauce, can serve extra on the side.)
Essential Garnishes:
- Add scallion and remaining 1 T. toasted sesame seeds. Top with basil leaves and serve.
Notes
*Persian Cucumber: Slice thinly on mandoline, pleat with fingers for a pretty look.
This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.
Nutrition
Calories: 431kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 21gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 193mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1014IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @azestforlife or tag #azestforlife!
This looks amazing….always looking for “chicken salad” recipes that depart from the norm..
Can’t wait to try this but giving it 5 starts already. 🙂
Thank you Lisa for the comment! Give the recipe a try, think it will be worth your time and incredibly delicious. HINT: I double the Sesame Dressing recipe and use it on many dishes. 😀Karen