Before diving into the delightful world of Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad, let’s consider what goes well with this dish. A refreshing drink such as iced green tea can balance out the flavors beautifully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a light Sake can also enhance the experience. For dessert, a simple fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet would be the perfect way to cleanse your palate. Now you’re all set!
Cooking should be fun, not a chore. The Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad is one of those dishes that brings joy to the kitchen. Tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory glaze, fresh veggies bursting with crunch, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. This recipe is a go-to for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. I can’t wait to share this with you!
What is Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad?
Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad is a vibrant combination of flavors and textures. It features marinated chicken thighs grilled to juicy perfection, tossed with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, and drizzled with a sweet onion teriyaki vinaigrette.
From the crunch of the cabbage to the slight sweetness of the carrots, every bite is an adventure. This salad is highly versatile, perfect for lunch meal prep, and can easily be turned into a wrap if you want a hand-held meal.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad is a delightful balance. The sweetness of the teriyaki is complemented by the zing of ginger and the richness of the chicken.
Meanwhile, the crunch of fresh veggies adds texture without overpowering the dish. There’s a hint of spice from the red chili flakes, and the freshness from the rice vinegar brightens everything up.
You get a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy experience with just a hint of heat that lingers in the background.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll adore this salad for several reasons. First, it’s nutritious and packed with protein. Second, it’s pretty forgiving; if you’re missing an ingredient, you can swap it out with something else without cramping your style.
Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at gatherings, and you’ll find your friends coming back for seconds, maybe even thirds! Trust me, this salad has “favorite dish” written all over it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
- 3 cups shredded kale
- 1 shredded carrot
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup lightly salted cashew nuts
- 1 cup + ¼ cup teriyaki glaze, separated
- Olive oil spray
For the Sweet Onion Teriyaki Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet onion
- ½ cup teriyaki marinade
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp canola oil, divided
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in one cup of teriyaki glaze. If you have time, let it sit in your fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step adds tons of flavor and tenderness!
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Onion Teriyaki Vinaigrette
While the chicken marinates, let’s whip up the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped sweet onion, remaining teriyaki marinade, rice vinegar, canola oil, freshly grated ginger, honey, and red chili flakes. Give this a good stir and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare your outdoor grill. Once it’s nice and hot, spray it with olive oil. Add your chicken thighs and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re short on time, grilling ensures a quick and delightful cooking method.
Step 4: Chop the Veggies
While the chicken is grilling, chop your veggies. Shred the cabbage, shred the kale, shred the carrot, and dice the bell pepper. This is where your salad really starts to shine!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Once the chicken is ready, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, kale, carrot, bell pepper, cashew nuts, and chicken. Drizzle the sweet onion teriyaki vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 6: Serve!
Your Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad is ready to serve. You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit. The flavors will develop even further!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to elevate your salad-making game:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and vinaigrette a day before. It’ll save you time and the flavors will deepen.
- Add More Protein: If you like, throw in some chickpeas or edamame for extra protein.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to use other veggies like cucumbers or snap peas. The goal is to make it enjoyable for you!
- Use Leftovers: This salad is perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken or veggies from another meal.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add more honey gradually. Taste as you go!
Nutrition Information
How Can You Store This Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad?
You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get better the longer they sit together, but don’t be surprised if the veggies soften a bit. If you’re making this salad in advance, I recommend dressing it just before serving. This will keep everything nice and crisp!
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes you enter the kitchen and realize you’re short on a key ingredient. No worries, here are some alternatives:
- Chicken Thighs: Try boneless skinless chicken breasts if you want a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cook times, as breasts can dry out faster.
- Cashew Nuts: If you’re allergic to nuts, use sunflower seeds. They’ll add a delightful crunch without the allergens.
- Sweet Onion: In case you don’t have sweet onion, a regular onion will work. Just consider using less as they tend to be stronger in flavor.
Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad
Equipment
- Grill pan
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
- 3 cups shredded kale
- 1 shredded carrot
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup lightly salted cashew nuts
- 1 cup + ¼ cup teriyaki glaze separated
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet onion
- ½ cup teriyaki marinade
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp canola oil divided
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken thighs in one cup of teriyaki glaze. If you have time, let it sit in your fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step adds tons of flavor and tenderness!
- While the chicken marinates, let’s whip up the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped sweet onion, remaining teriyaki marinade, rice vinegar, canola oil, freshly grated ginger, honey, and red chili flakes. Give this a good stir and set it aside.
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare your outdoor grill. Once it’s nice and hot, spray it with olive oil. Add your chicken thighs and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re short on time, grilling ensures a quick and delightful cooking method.
- While the chicken is grilling, chop your veggies. Shred the cabbage, shred the kale, shred the carrot, and dice the bell pepper. This is where your salad really starts to shine!
- Once the chicken is ready, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, kale, carrot, bell pepper, cashew nuts, and chicken. Drizzle the sweet onion teriyaki vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Your Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad is ready to serve. You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit. The flavors will develop even further!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and vinaigrette a day before. It’ll save you time and the flavors will deepen.
- Add More Protein: If you like, throw in some chickpeas or edamame for extra protein.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to use other veggies like cucumbers or snap peas. The goal is to make it enjoyable for you!
- Use Leftovers: This salad is perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken or veggies from another meal.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add more honey gradually. Taste as you go!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In summary, the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Salad is a vibrant, delicious, and simple dish that deserves a spot at your table, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively summer gathering.
With its appealing flavors, fresh ingredients, and adaptability, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. I hope this guide inspires you to roll up your sleeves and create something wonderful in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
