Pea Pods And Chicken Salad Oriental
A vibrant and crunchy chicken salad featuring fresh pea pods, water chestnuts, and toasted almonds, all coated in a savory soy and ginger dressing. Perfect for light lunches or picnics, this dish combines crisp textures with flavorful Asian-inspired notes, appealing to those seeking a refreshing, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim and blanch the pea pods by boiling them in water for 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Cook the spiral macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, blanched pea pods, cubed cooked chicken, sliced green onions, and sliced water chestnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, soy sauce, pepper, ginger, and sherry if using.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds over the top before serving.
- Serve on lettuce leaves for an attractive presentation.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. If fresh pea pods are unavailable, frozen peas can be used instead – just thaw them before adding. To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of sesame oil to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled meats. Pair it with a refreshing Cold Beet Soup-Russia (Svekolnik) for a well-rounded meal. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for an attractive presentation, and consider a side of fruit to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a microwave for about 30 seconds, being careful not to overheat the chicken. Alternatively, enjoy it cold for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea Pods And Chicken Salad Oriental contains roughly 83 calories, with 8g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2233mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours before serving. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Mix everything together just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with chopped celery for a similar crunch or use sliced radishes for added flavor. Both alternatives will maintain the salad's texture and freshness.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, replace the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu and use a vegan mayonnaise. You can also skip the sherry or choose a vegan alternative to maintain the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).