1/2 Cginger sesame dressingDon't have any on hand? See my homemade recipe in the notes below.
2 Tolive or canola oil
english cucumber - peeled and diced
cherry tomatoes - quartered (or halved, if preferred)
carrots - shredded
2green onions - sliced thin
romaine or butter leaf lettuce - torn into bite-size pieces
cilantro - chopped
parsley - chopped
1/2-3/4boxthin spaghettiI prefer Barilla brand.
salt and pepper to taste
sesame seeds or chopped peanutsoptional
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a zip-top bag and pour in the dressing. Seal and turn to coat evenly, then let it marinate for at least an hour to maximize flavor.
Cook the Noodles
Boil a pot of water, add a healthy pinch of salt, and cook your noodles (soba, rice noodles, or spaghetti all work well) according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
Grill the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive or canola oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Toss the Noodles
In a large bowl, toss the cooled noodles with ginger sesame dressing. Use as much as you like to coat the noodles evenly. (Shortcut: use store-bought dressing, or substitute with your favorite, like honey mustard, for a twist.)
Assemble the Bowl
Divide the dressed noodles into bowls or plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken and prepared toppings; cucumbers, shredded carrots, green onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you have chopped peanuts, they add great texture and crunch—don’t skip them if you’ve got them!Drizzle with additional dressing if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Homemade Ginger Sesame Dressing
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or avocado)
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced or grated
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Optional: a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for heat
Instructions:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all ingredients until well combined and slightly emulsified.
Taste and adjust—add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or soy sauce for saltiness.
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or stir before using.