Asian Inspired “Kind Of Homemade” Salad
I hate walking in the door after a busy day and looking in the fridge with one big question on my mind: What’s For Dinner? And even worse… I don’t have anything prepared. But here’s the simple solution: store bought salads. We’ve all bought them and used them for dinners, lunches, to bring to a pot luck… you know, as a quick fix? And that’s not a bad thing… but sometimes I want the quick fix with a personal touch. You know, make it look like I really spent some serious time in the kitchen. That’s where this easy salad comes into play. It can be served as a meal, or as a side dish and is under 30 minutes (now isn’t that just a magical term).
I should mention that this post is not sponsored, so I will be sharing the blend of salad I purchased, but feel free to purchase your own preference!
I wanted to start off with this amazing asian inspired plate! I purchased a ginger-sesame salad mix. When I say salad mix, I mean the bag of salad that comes with the dressing and fixings!
To kick this little pre-purchased bag of gold up a notch, I made delicious (and easy) chicken satay skewers to top it. Adding that extra protein easily converts this from a side dish, to the main event. Plus adding my own dressing really makes it something special.
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Cuisine:
Print
PinDescription
An easy and healthy weeknight answer to the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question. Amp up store bought salad with a few simple steps and a delicious protein that turns that bag of veggies from a side dish, to your main course.
Ingredients
- one bag of asian-inspired salad mix (sesame-ginger is the one I purchased. Save the crunches that come in the bag, discard the dressing)
- 4 wooden skewers (soaked for an hour in water to prevent burning)
- 1 chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup prepared satay sauce
- 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
- 1/4 orange pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp green onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 lime, quartered
- sesame-lime vinaigrette (see below)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl add the chicken breast and satay sauce. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Add the chicken to 4 skewers evenly, and broil on high for 4 minutes on one side, flip and continue until juices run clear (or another 4 mins or so)
- In the meantime prepare the Sesame Lime Vinaigrette (recipe below).
- In a large salad bowl, add the lettuce from the salad mix along with the cilantro, 1/4 cup green onion and peppers.
- Immediately before serving add the dressing and mix well. Divide onto 4 plates.
- Top each plate with 1/4 of the salad crunches that come in the mixed salad bag, a chicken skewer, 1 tsp sesame seeds & green onion. Serve with the quartered lime wedge.
Keywords: asian, salad, chicken, dinner,
Description
An easy (and healthier) way to bring bright flavours to any bagged salad. Make your own dressing – it’s so easy!
Ingredients
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients of the vinaigrette into a jar, shake vigorously until everything is combined well
Keywords: asian, chicken, dressing, salad, healthy
What last minute meals do you like to come up with? How about bagged salads? Any favourites? Make sure you come back… I will show you how to update that basic kale salad into something…. spectacular! Thank you so much for stopping by today!
I love having salads as last minute meals. I pile them HIGH with chicken and tons of veggies. Now I have a big time craving!
This looks so good – love a big salad and the crunch, crunch, crunch – what a great meal!!! Thanks for sharing with us at #FoodieFriDIY!!!
Thanks for having me again 🙂 cheers!
I am such a fan of doctoring up a store bought salad or, at least a bag of greens from the farmers market. I hate getting home from work and having nothing planned for dinner. I am not a planner. I just want the stars to align and dinner to magically appear… Sometimes it works. 😉
What a terrific salad! I love all the flavor and ingredients in this and that sesame-lime dressing is just awesome!
Thanks so much!
Fantastic idea! I try to keep frozen leftover meals in the freezer when I do not feel like cooking, but I like the idea of a hearty salad!
I defiantly agree. If I have both In hand at any given time I feel like I have a full meal (that took little to now time to get on the table).
This is my idea of smart–and delicious–weeknight cooking!
Yum! Asian salads are my favorite. The flavors are always so satisfying. Thank you for sharing at Inspiration Thursday! Have a great week!
Love this idea so much! Great combo of flavors here and salads are one of my go-to favs for a quick meal too. And that plate is adorable!
I love using a lettuce mix. It is so much cheaper than buying all those different veggies. You have made it such a satisfying meal.
This look like a great salad for so many gatherings. Thanks for sharing.
I love taking things that are partially done and jazzing them up! We all need shortcuts these days and those things are great! Making your own dressing is also a healthier way to go. LOVE LOVE LOVE
I buy salads like this all the time, but I’ve never dressed them up – and apparently I’m missing out. Love the dresisng you made!