This Asian Chicken Salad is a healthy and delectable salad that can be easily be adjusted to different diets and tastes. From Paleo, Raw to low carb to vegan with a few ingredient swaps.
And it is salad , so it is quick and easy to make. Well, with the exception of the Sprouted Quinoa (which is super easy, it just takes 36-48 hours).
Wow! Did we come up with an interesting challenge for ourselves this month with our Crazy Ingredient Challenge: Lemongrass and Quinoa!
To start the salad I made some Quinoa sprouts the day before. By sprouting the quinoa, you reduce the carbs and calories Seeds use up the stored carbohydrates for energy to sprout.
Making your own sprouts is so easy and much more cost effective than buying in the store! It just takes some quinoa (or lentils or beans or...), some water and a jar to put them in. A day or two later you have healthy crunchy goodness. The full instructions for the sprouts can be found here. I decided to go with a simple salad dressing of olive oil, sesame oil, lemon juice, honey and lemongrass. Shake shake shake = salad dressing.
When it was time to make my salad I grabbed together my ingredients: the sprouted quinoa, carrot, beet, daikon, homegrown arugula, tangerine, almonds and some sliced leftover chicken (omit for vegan or substitute salmon or other fish if desired) and the Lemongrass Salad Dressing.
Then I spied the crunchy chow mein noodles in the cupboard and threw a small handful on top. I know, I know, zero health value, processed food, loads of sodium, white flour and other scary ingredients. But, they were tasty. Go for some sesame seeds or nothing if you want.
Oh my, was that a fabulous lunch!
Homemade Lemongrass Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- In a jar or bottle add olive oil and a little sesame oil. Add an equal amount of lemon juice.
- Add lemongrass and honey to taste. Shake until emulsified. Taste and add additional ingredients as needed.
Now it's time to go check out what the other bloggers came up with this month for our Crazy Ingredient Challenge.
Finally, if you can spare some prayers/ happy thoughts for our fearless leader, Dawn, that would be awesome. She is going through some "stuff" right now and I just want her to know I hope life smooths out soon.
Until next time, happy eating.
~Audrey
Ashley@cheesecurdinparadise
This sounds refreshing and wonderful. Perfect for a little detox after the holidays!
Audrey
Thanks, Ashley. I need to eat more of these to make up for my holiday eating.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm
It looks delightful and delicious.
Audrey
thanks, Wendy.
Lori Hart
Sounds likea great spring or summer salad to eat while sitting on the patio. YUM
Audrey
It's great any time with whatever is in season.
Denise Wright
This looks so good to me! I bought lemongrass for the first time last month and just love the smell and flavor of it. I'll be making this for sure. Pinning too! (found you on Tasty Tuesdays)
Audrey
Thanks for stopping by, Denise. My friend gave me a few other suggestions for the lemongrass I need to check out and write about.
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade
I LOVE it, Asian dishes are on the top of the list for me and I love that this is so healthy and fresh. Great job.
jennifer Abel
Audrey another great recipe and thanks for linking up, can't wait to see what you bring us next week!
Amberjane
This recipe sounds fantastic I must try it - Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
Julia
I am enchanted by the idea of lemongrass in a salad dressing! I must try it!
Simple Hacks Living
Yummy! I love lemongrass! Thanks for sharing on Tasty Tuesdays.
Kelly @ Mum-bo-Jumbo
Wow, that dressing sounds so tasty and how easy is it to make? I love how you are honest about how much of each ingredient you use - I often cook that way myself. Thanks for linking up at Mum-bo Monday
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai
The salad sounds delicious! And my Thai neighbor grows lemongrass in her front yard! She's always telling me to grab some if I want it--now I know what to use it for. 🙂 I'm going to have to check out your post on sprouting quinoa. What fun--a Crazy Ingredient Challenge. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Lou Lou Girls
You always bring delicious things to our party! Thank you. Pinned and tweeted. We feel honored that you take the time to stop by our party. I hope to see you on tonight at 7 pm. We love to party with you! Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls