Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken – 5-Min Delight
Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken/magicinkitchen.com
Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Refreshing Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken – a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Easy to make and full of flavor!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for a quick, refreshing meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken is the perfect solution. Packed with protein, crisp vegetables, and light, flavorful dressing, it’s an easy way to transform leftover chicken into a vibrant, nutritious dish. Whether you’re prepping lunch for work or a light dinner at home, this salad delivers both taste and convenience.
Ingredients
- 6 oz soba noodles
- 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or julienned
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional)
Preparation Instructions
- Cook the soba noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions (usually 4–5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the vegetables and chicken: While noodles are cooling, shred the leftover rotisserie chicken and chop all vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and sriracha until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled soba noodles, shredded chicken, and vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish or a hearty side.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with edamame or a side of miso soup for a complete meal.
- Add avocado slices or a soft-boiled egg for extra creaminess and protein.
- For a lighter option, swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Why This Salad Is Perfect for Busy Days
If you’re short on time but still want a nutritious meal, this Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken is ideal. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time, and the soba noodles cook in just minutes. Tossing everything together with a simple, flavorful dressing makes it a no-fuss lunch or dinner option that feels fresh and satisfying.
Tips for Customizing Your Soba Salad
One of the best things about this salad is how versatile it is. You can swap vegetables based on what you have on hand—snap peas, shredded cabbage, or thinly sliced radishes work beautifully. For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews. Spice lovers can drizzle extra sriracha or chili flakes, while those wanting a sweeter touch can add a splash of honey to the dressing.
Make Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days, making it perfect for meal prep. Store the noodles and dressing separately to avoid sogginess, then combine them just before serving. It’s a great grab-and-go lunch or an easy dinner for busy evenings, giving you a refreshing, protein-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Keep the dressing separate and mix it with the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I use other noodles?
Absolutely! Rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti work as alternatives.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soba noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Chilled Soba Salad with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken is a versatile, quick, and healthy meal that turns leftovers into a flavorful dish. Perfect for busy days, meal prep, or summer lunches, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation. Try it today, and don’t forget to leave a comment to share how your salad turned out. For more easy, delicious recipes, visit Magic in Kitchen.
