Monday, July 21, 2008

Chopped Chicken Salad with PB Vinaigrette


It's pretty darn hot 'round these parts during this time of year. Hot in a way that is totally different than the hot I grew up with in California and Australia. Over there it's more of a dry heat, you feel like you're scorching, rather than sweltering. Over here it's like a warm wet blanket has been placed over the atmosphere, the air is so heavy and dull, nothing will mitigate it other than a cleansing summer storm. Living in this weather feels a lot like spending your summer in a sauna. The positive side to it: What I crave is simple, light, crispy summer salads- anything that comes out of an oven or off a stove just feels too heavy and unappetizing. I throw a whole bunch of fresh veggies into a big bowl, include some leftover proteins (in tonight's salad it was grilled chicken) and come up with an interesting dressing.

Chopped Chicken Salad with PB Vinaigrette
Chop and place in large bowl a head of lettuce (romaine or iceberg are particularly refreshing), 1 red pepper, 1 cuke. Slice bunch of scallions. Add 1 c. peas. Cut grilled chicken breasts into strips, add to salad bowl along with 2-3 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds. Toss with Peanut Butter Vinaigrette.
PBV: In a food processor or blender puree 4 tbsp. smooth peanut butter, juice of 1 lime, 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 1 tbsp. soy sauce, 2 tbsp. sesame oil, several splashes of tabasco sauce, 2 tbsp. water, 1/4 tsp. salt. Add more sesame oil if necessary.

3 comments:

Alexa said...

Hi Rachel,

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind words.
This recipe looks great. It's like chicken satay meets salad. I'll have to try it. I love peanut butter anything...
I'll be back to visit some more. Stay cool (humidity is no fun).

Phyllis Sommer said...

ooh the pb dressing sounds delish and it really doesn't need chicken to be yumy, i'd bet!:-) ("says the vegetarian" -- that's what my dad would add)

Apples and Butter said...

Peanut Butter Vinagrette? What a great idea! I love peanut sauce for satays and this is such a great application for a salad. Love it!