Thai Shredded Chicken and Strawberry Salad
Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Karen Shinto
The secret ingredient in this refreshing summery salad? Fish sauce. It provides a savory, salty element that unites the herbs and fruit without tasting a bit "fishy."
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Heat 4 qts. water to boiling in a 5- to 6-qt. pan. Add chicken, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand until chicken is no longer pink in center, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and let cool.
Step 2
2
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast coconut in a pan until light golden, 4 minutes. Let cool.
Step 3
3
Combine lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, chiles, and oil in a large bowl. Tear chicken into bite-size shreds; toss with dressing. Just before serving, gently mix in herbs and berries. Pile on plates and top with coconut.
Step 4
4
Shortcut: Use 4 cups shredded meat from a 2 1/2-lb. rotisserie chicken (don't poach).
Step 5
5
*Buy unsweetened flaked coconut in the baking aisle or at a health-food store.
Step 6
6
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned chicken breasts
3/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut*
3/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce
2 tablespoons minced, seeded jalapeño chiles
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups lightly packed small fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups lightly packed small fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup lightly packed small cilantro sprigs
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered
Directions
Step 1
1
Heat 4 qts. water to boiling in a 5- to 6-qt. pan. Add chicken, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand until chicken is no longer pink in center, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and let cool.
Step 2
2
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast coconut in a pan until light golden, 4 minutes. Let cool.
Step 3
3
Combine lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, chiles, and oil in a large bowl. Tear chicken into bite-size shreds; toss with dressing. Just before serving, gently mix in herbs and berries. Pile on plates and top with coconut.
Step 4
4
Shortcut: Use 4 cups shredded meat from a 2 1/2-lb. rotisserie chicken (don't poach).
Step 5
5
*Buy unsweetened flaked coconut in the baking aisle or at a health-food store.
Step 6
6
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
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