Ginger Chicken Salad in Cucumber Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 large (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast half
• 2 large English Cucumbers (9 inches long
• 1 tsp. grated lime zest
• 2 1/2 tbsp. fresh lime juice (1 large lime)
• 4 tsp. canola or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. dark sesame oil
• 1 tsp. minced, peeled fresh ginger
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• slivers of lime zest and red bell peppers, for garnish (optional) 

Makes 16 cucumber cups (4 per Serving)

1. Place the chicken breast in a small saucepan with just enough water to cover. Bring to a low boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until mostly cooked through but still pink in the center, about 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the chicken stand in the cooking water for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cut each cucumber crosswise into 8 rounds (about 1 inch thick). With a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out some of the seedy centers to make cups, taking care not to go through the bottoms.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together lime zest, lime juice, canola or olive oil, sesame oil, and ginger.
4. When cool enough to handle, pull the chicken into small shreds and add to the lime dressing. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
5. Fill the cucumber cups with chicken salad (a scant tablespoon each) and garnish with slivers of lime zest and bell peppers, if desired.

WW POINT VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This dish puts a sophisticated Asian take on chicken salad. This little treats can be served as starters, snacks or even as a light lunch or dinner. I think it's an elegant dish to serve company or to bring to a party or gathering. I really loved this dish because it was colorful and filling. The combination of lime and ginger mixed with sesame oil and canola oil gives your taste buds a real zing. You can also cook the chicken by seasoning it with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing it on a hot skillet with canola or olive oil, cool it after it's been cooked and the chicken can be shredded and stuffed into the cucumbers. The chicken, cucumbers and red bell peppers will quickly fill you up because they are filling and REALLY that good. If you want flavored olive oil, I highly recommend using dark sesame oil and Lime-Infused Olive Oil from The Imperial Olive. For more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.