Treat family to colourful Asian chicken salad with nectarines

Asian flavours accent nectarines in this easy and colourful summer meal. Add the dressing to warm rice and more flavours are absorbed.

Asian Chicken Salad

30 ml (2 tbsp) each lime juice and soy sauce

30 ml (2 tbsp) minced ginger root

15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

500 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dressing

50 ml ( 1/4 cup) seasoned rice vinegar

30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil

15 ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil

15 ml (1 tbsp) minced ginger root

15 ml (1 tbsp) granulated sugar

2 ml ( 1/2 tsp) chili garlic sauce or 1 ml ( 1/4 tsp) hot pepper flakes

Salad

250 ml (1 cup) long-grain rice

2 ml ( 1/2 tsp) salt

125 ml ( 1/2 cup) julienned snow peas

125 ml ( 1/2 cup) each diced sweet red pepper, green onion and greenhouse cucumber

125 ml ( 1/2 cup) chopped fresh coriander

4 nectarines

4 large romaine lettuce leaves

Garnish

Coriander leaves

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, oil and garlic. Place chicken in a resealable bag; pour in marinade and seal. Marinate in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

Dressing: In another small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together vinegar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, ginger, sugar and chili garlic sauce.

Salad: Cook rice with salt according to package directions. Fluff with fork and place in a bowl. Stir 75 ml (1/3 cup) of the dressing into rice. Let cool to room temperature. Stir in snow peas, red pepper, green onion, cucumber and coriander.

Cut nectarines into 1-cm ( 1/2-inch) slices; toss with remaining dressing.

Removed chicken from marinade and place on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced. Slice chicken and keep warm.

Mound rice salad on lettuce leaves; arrange chicken and nectarine slices alternately on top. Drizzle any remaining dressing from nectarines over all. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information per serving: 513 calories, 32 g protein, 16 g fat, 59 g carbohydrates.

Source: Foodland Ontario.