Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad

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Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish that will excite your taste buds?

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Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad
Servings
4

Method

  1. Blend together 3 green Thai or serrano chiles, 4 garlic cloves, ½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro, 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, and 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt until smooth.

  2. Pour the marinade into a large bowl.

  3. Make 3 short shallow slits across the smoother side of each skinless, boneless chicken thigh (1½ lb. total) and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Turn the chicken to coat it with the marinade.

  4. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or cover and chill it for up to 12 hours. If chilling, let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.

  5. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp. fish sauce, ¼ cup olive oil, and the remaining 5 Tbsp. fresh lime juice and 3 Tbsp. brown sugar. Season the dressing with salt.

  6. Place 12 oz. green beans (trimmed) in a large resealable plastic bag, close the bag, and smash the beans with a rolling pin until most of them are bruised. Add the beans to the bowl with the dressing.

  7. Cut 2 nectarines into ¼-thick wedges and add them to

About this recipe

Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish that will excite your taste buds? Look no further than Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad! This Thai-inspired salad is packed with vibrant flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

What Makes Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad So Special?

Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors. The crisp and fresh vegetables are tossed with a tangy and zesty dressing, creating a perfect balance of taste. The addition of grilled chicken adds a savory element that takes this salad to a whole new level.

Imagine biting into a forkful of juicy grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all coated in a mouthwatering dressing that dances on your taste buds. It's like a party in your mouth!

Grilled Chicken: The Star of the Show

The grilled chicken in this salad is what sets it apart from the rest. The smoky and charred flavor of the chicken adds depth and richness to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the fresh and vibrant vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Just like a well-cooked steak, the grilled chicken brings a satisfying and hearty element to the salad. It's the star of the show, stealing the spotlight with its deliciousness.

The Dressing: A Symphony of Flavors

The dressing is the heart and soul of any salad, and Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad is no exception. The dressing for this salad is a delightful combination of lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili. It's a symphony of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that will awaken your taste buds.

The tanginess of the lime juice, the umami of the fish sauce, the sweetness of the palm sugar, and the kick of the chili create a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. It's like a party in your mouth, with each ingredient playing its part to create a harmonious and delicious dressing.

In Conclusion

Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed dish that will elevate your salad game. With its vibrant flavors, crisp textures, and delightful dressing, it's a salad that will leave you craving for more. So why settle for boring salads when you can have a party in your mouth with every bite?

Give Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad a try and experience the explosion of flavors for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently asked questions

. Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the grilled chicken and adding tofu or tempeh instead. The dressing and vegetables will still provide a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

. Can I make this salad in advance?

While it's best to enjoy this salad fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them just before serving. This way, you can still enjoy the vibrant flavors and crisp textures of the salad.

. Can I adjust the spice level?

Of course! If you prefer a milder salad, you can reduce the amount of chili or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you're a spice lover, feel free to add more chili to amp up the heat.

. What are the best vegetables to use?

Traditionally, Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad includes green papaya, cherry tomatoes, long beans, and carrots. However, you can get creative and use any vegetables you like. Cucumbers, bell peppers, and cabbage are great additions that add crunch and color to the salad.

. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using a gluten-free fish sauce and ensuring that all the other ingredients are free from gluten contamination.

. How long does the dressing last?

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using to ensure all the flavors are well incorporated.

. Can I add other proteins to the salad?

Definitely! Grilled shrimp, beef, or even tofu would be great additions to this salad. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

. Can I make this salad spicier?

If you're a spice lover, you can add more chili or even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the salad. Just be sure to taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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