Grilled Thai Chicken Salad

Add zest to boneless chicken with a spicy Thai seasoning blend, then grill it and slice for a delicious main-course salad.

PREP: 30 minutes     GRILL: 10 to 12 minutes

MAKES: 4 main-dish servings

THAI DRESSING

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 teaspoons Asian fish sauce

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

CHICKEN SALAD

4 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds total)

2 tablespoons Thai seasoning (see Tip)

2 bags (10 ounces each) torn romaine lettuce leaves

2 cups loosely packed fresh mint leaves

2 papayas and/or mangoes, each, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat.

2. Prepare dressing: In cup, combine lime juice, fish and soy sauces, and sugar; set aside.

3. Prepare chicken salad: In medium bowl, toss chicken with Thai seasoning. Place chicken on hot grill rack; grill, turning once, until juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced with tip of knife, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to cutting board.

4. In large bowl, toss lettuce, mint, papaya, and green onions with dressing. Thinly slice chicken. Divide salad among 4 dinner plates. Top with chicken slices.

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EACH SERVING: About 375 calories, 38g protein, 24g carbohydrate, 15g total fat (4g saturated), 121mg cholesterol, 1,215mg sodium

TIP: Seasoning mixes vary among manufacturers, especially with regard to sodium content. Add salt to taste if necessary.

SOMETHING FISHY (IN A GOOD WAY)

Fish sauce is a pungent seasoning that’s used in Southeast Asian cooking much the way we use salt. Many supermarkets now carry the sauce; you may have a choice of nam pla (from Thailand), nuoc mam (Vietnam), or patis (the Philippines). Country of origin doesn’t matter, but color does-the lighter the sauce, the milder the flavor. In Asia, the darker liquid (almost like soy sauce) is used for cooking, while the lightest (a clear amber) is saved for table use. Fish sauce can be stored indefinitely in a cool dark place; the color will deepen over time.