Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A Salad for One of Those Days

Though we're finally settled back in, it feels as if I can't actually settle in. I've been playing a nasty game of catch-up in all aspects of my life including blogging. Getting around to all my favorite foodie blogs has also been a bullet point on the to-do list , so I apologize if I haven't been around lately.

This salad is a perfect solution to my currently crazy life. Though it boasts a long list of ingredients, everything comes together quickly and the taste is unparalleled. In an attempt to boost our veggie intake, I've added lightly sauteed red peppers, romaine (for some nutritional value), and shelled edamame. To make the salad a little heartier, I threw in some soba noodles I found in the pantry. The noodles definitely make the salad, so I'd recommend throwing some in as well. Oh, and to give hubby a job and to take advantage of the beautiful weather, we decided to grill the chicken. The picture above is from our leftovers, so the ratio of ingredients has been cherry-picked a bit. Somebody in our house loves noodles very much so those are mostly gone :)

By the way, Martha is having a blog contest. Be sure to check it out!

Chinese Chicken Soba Salad
adapted from Ellie Krieger
4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon water
1/2 head napa cabbage, thinly shredded (about 6 cups)
1 cup of romaine lettuce, thinly choppped
1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts
1 (11-ounce) can Mandarin oranges, 1/4 cup juice reserved
1/2 cup cooked soba noodles
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup juice from Mandarin oranges
1 1/2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce or chili sauce
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Preheat grill.

Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, ginger and garlic and brush onto chicken breasts. Grill chicken until fully cooked through and no longer pink. Allow to cool. Shred chicken and set aside.

In a medium skillet over high heat, heat 1 tsp olive oil. Saute carrots, red pepper and edamame. Stir continuously and add oyster sauce. Add water and continue to cook for approximately 2 minutes or until vegetables have softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, combine Napa cabbage, chopped romaine, sauteed vegetables, water chestnuts, Mandarin oranges, soba noodles,cilantro and shredded chicken. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil, brown sugar 1/4 cup Mandarin orange juice and chili sauce. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.

27 comments:

Emily said...

Yummmm. I love soba noodles.

I'm playing catch-up too. It's next to impossible!

Anonymous said...

I love soba, too! Very healthy salad! It's a complete dish all in one!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

Wonderful flavours! I only recently discovered edamame and soba and I love them!

Anonymous said...

Yum, so fresh, healthy, and colorful! I love soba noodles and salads that have a carb component to them. This looks like a great summery meal!

kat said...

Sounds like a very satisfying salad

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Ahh, hang in there with the busyness!! And enjoy that scrumptious salad :0)

Erica said...

Great blog! I just found you via Suite Apple Pie!

La Bella Cooks said...

I have been craving salads such as this lately. It has gorgeous color all put together!

Mo said...

I love me some Asian Salad - all my favorite flavors. Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

This is a good one, I love soba noodles!

Katie said...

That looks and sounds so good!

That Girl said...

I love soba noodles in salad.

MrOrph said...

Now I know what to do those soba noodles.

I'm liking this salad.

Leslie said...

It been crazy here too!!!
Love the salad!

Unknown said...

Love her recipes, the soba noodles sound like a great addition!

Jenny said...

Looks like a beautiful salad! Love all those flavors. I just entered Martha's contest too.

grace said...

hang in there--i hope you get caught up with everything soon. i had one heck of a day yesterday, and this would've been lovely to come home to. :)

Prudy said...

Oh man that looks good! I've missed your posts!

Maria said...

Soba in a salad, Perfect! This one looks healthy and super tasty!

Aggie said...

This looks like a great healthy salad!

Sharon said...

emiline - I suppose I've been enjoying the sun too much! time to get back inside and work!

ning - It's definitely a hearty and delicious meal.

clumbsy cookie - They're both so good for you though watch out for the sodium in some soba noodles.

carmen - we seem to add carbs to everything :)

kat - It has a little bit of something for everyone!

veggiegirl - I wonder I'd be bored without all the busyness...probably not :)

erica - thanks for stopping by!!

bridgett - I don't usually crave salads but I'm eager to make this one again.

mo - love your picture!

noble pig - me too. I can eat a whole package.

juan & katie - thanks!

that girl - it was a last minute addition but I'm glad we added it in

mrorph - add a little carbs to everything: my secret to a happy life.

leslie - craziness everywhere huh?

ttfn300 - none of Ellie's recipes have ever let me down yet

jenny - I'm sure you'll be on Martha with your awesome blog!

grace - thanks. Perhaps if I worked at your company and had all those treats...I'm sure I'd be more productive

prudy - and I've missed checking out yours!

maria - thanks!

aggie - thanks!

Andrea said...

Oh yum, this looks great! I love you approach to food. Just found your blog, and I'm glad I did

Deborah said...

I love Chinese chicken salads, and this one sounds delicious!

alexandra's kitchen said...

I love meals like this. It's just a big bowl of goodness!

Sophie said...

Great way to get veggies. I looove grilled chicken in anything. This looks very fresh and light, the picture is right on -- great colors :).

Susan C said...

This looks like another recipe of yours I'll have to try.

I just made the Italian beans, tuna, cukes salad for a potluck VP debate party. I used Persian cucumbers and added a lot of cilantro (mainly because I have a lot of it). It's beautiful and I'm sure it will be delicious too.

Jeff said...

I love a good salad especially one that is anything and everything.

Oh yeah I visited Whisk n Ladle last week and have to thank you for your awesome recommendation. Amazing freaking place and when I go back end of October I am heading up to the farms they recommend.