In this healthy and delicious makeover of a traditional chicken salad, I poached the chicken in coconut milk and ginger and paired it with shredded daikon radish and apple. I dressed the salad with saffron aioli, prepared with a special avocado oil I found in Wegmans. The avocado oil introduced unique subtle flavors and, paired with the wonderful aroma of saffron, worked magically to flavor this chicken salad.
Ingredients:
Saffron Aioli
2 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup Avocado oil
2 tablespoons warmed chicken stock
A generous pinch of saffron
chicken
1/2 large boneless chicken breast
1 can coconut milk
Salt, pepper to taste
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
to assemble
2 apples, peeled, cored, shredded
1 daikon, peeled, shredded
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Directions:
saffron aioli
Place the saffron strands along with warmed up stock in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it soak for a few minutes. Mash the garlic into a paste along with salt. Add garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, and saffron mixture into a food processor and blend well. Keep the food processor going, and add the avocado oil in a steady thin stream very slowly until the oil is incorporated and the mixture thickens. Chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop.
chicken
Heat coconut milk, ginger, salt, and pepper in a small pot. Bring to boil. Add the chicken breast (slice to fit if necessary). Lower the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Get the chicken out and cool completely. Then, dice into very small pieces.
to assemble
In a bowl, combine shredded apples, daikon, carrots, green onions, and chicken. Add a pinch of salt. Season to taste with saffron aioli. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Serve on top of lettuce leaves.
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Thank you so much for everyone who left me such sweet and thoughtful comments on my last post. I am fully back in the kitchen, cooking some exciting dishes that I will be sharing with you very soon!
