Recipe ReDux: No Cook Meals

July 21, 2012

This month’s ReDux is a good one. I mean, how many of us try to stay far far away from the oven when those temps outside start climbing? This month’s challenge of no-cook meals

really made me think. Mainly because there are SO many good no cook dishes out there, where to start? A salad immediately came to mind. I thought, why not put a fun twist on a salad.

That my friends, is how asian salad wraps were born. You have all the delicious ingredients of a salad, all wrapped up!

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The ingredients from this salad are actually inspired from my teens. In high school, my family and I would frequent the local Applebee’s. Back then, Applebee’s was the spot! Anyways, my dad and I love their oriental chicken salad combining cabbage, crispy noodles, toasted almonds, and chicken. My spin has those same flavors but with added sweetness from juicy orange segments and crisp snow peas.

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Feel free to add chicken to my combo for a little added protein.

Asian Salad Wrap (serves 4)

Ingredients:

wrap:

  • 8-10 bib lettuce leaves or green leaf lettuce leaves
  • 1 cup coleslaw mix
  • 1/4 chopped almonds, toasted
  • 1 orange, segmented
  • 1 tablespoon chow mein noodles
  • 1/2 cup diced snow peas

dressing:

  • 1/4 cup peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

Directions:

Mix together coleslaw mix, almonds,

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oranges, chow mein noodles, and snow peas.

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For dressing, mix together ingredients and allow to chill.

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When you are ready to eat, lay out lettuce, fill with toppings, wrap it up and enjoy!

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These came together in about 10 minutes…no cook and no time!!

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Feel free to dip or drizzle this delicious dressing. The sriracha and red pepper flakes give it a slight kick which really boosts the subtle flavors in the wrap.

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Can I let you in on a little secret? Being the blogger I am and searching for the best light, I actually made this in the morning for good lighting purposes, you know. After a taste test, I had to eat the wrap I made..for breakfast!!! It is that good!

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A delicious and easy meal that you can have for er breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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For past Recipe ReDux recipes, visit my ReDux page!

What is your favorite no-cook meal?


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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }

GRAINCRAZY July 21, 2012 at 4:22 pm

This looks so fresh and inviting. Great pictures. I will have to give it a try. Love what you put in your sauce.

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Janel July 21, 2012 at 4:39 pm

These are making me hungry for lunch! I think I’ll toss in some tofu when I make these to have a complete meal. Thanks for the inspiration!

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Swanky Dietitian July 21, 2012 at 5:23 pm

I agree! Tofu would be a delicious addition! :)

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Alysa (InspiredRD) July 21, 2012 at 4:46 pm

I used to be IN LOVE with the oriental chicken salad when we were first married and lived in Birmingham. I ate it almost every night on the way to my husband’s baseball games :)

This looks so yum!

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Swanky Dietitian July 21, 2012 at 5:06 pm

Haha! That is too funny! I just couldn’t venture out to try other things. :)

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Min July 21, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Yum! This looks so refreshing! Perfect for this brutal Texas summer! Like you I love making quinoa salads. Just throw anything and everything in, toss together, and perfection every time! :)

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Erin @ WholesomeRD July 21, 2012 at 5:52 pm

Looks refreshing and delicious!

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Dr Barb, Nutrition Budgeteer July 21, 2012 at 8:00 pm

Looks so refreshing. Want to give it a try. I love lettuce wraps.

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Kailey July 22, 2012 at 12:29 am

I love no cook meals when school/life gets busy – this is both healthy and delicious. Win Win!

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Swanky Dietitian July 22, 2012 at 3:05 am

I completely agree with you, Kailey! No cook is a must for busy weeks! :)

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Diane Boyd July 22, 2012 at 2:51 am

Great recipe and photos. I’ll suggest to my teenage daughter that she makes this one with me!

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Corrie Anne July 22, 2012 at 3:57 am

Lol. I went to Applebee’s quite a bit in college… it was almost the only restaurant in town!! This is a great month for no-cook recipes!!

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Kari @ bite-sized thoughts July 22, 2012 at 6:57 am

This looks like such a fresh, summery recipe! Beautiful :)

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teri@managedmacros July 22, 2012 at 12:00 pm

This is great. A perfect summer meal…no oven, clean, fresh and delicious. Your pics are beautiful!!

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Nicole, RD July 22, 2012 at 12:50 pm

I need to try some more no cook meals…I don’t have time these days it seems :( Hi, by the way!! I’ve missed you! :)

I am going to try a salad for lunch today of arugula, watermelon, feta, and sunflower seeds. :) That’s no-bake and sounds DELICIOUS!

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Liz - Meal Makeover Mom July 22, 2012 at 1:54 pm

Awesome recipe. So fresh. My husband recently became a vegetarian, so this recipe would be perfect. Plus, it’s been so hot here in Boston, so the no-cook aspect is ideal!!

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Swanky Dietitian July 23, 2012 at 8:03 pm

I think marinated tofu would be a great addition (but I tried to stick to no-cook)for your hubby too! :)

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Tanya @ Dine, Dash, and Deadlift July 22, 2012 at 8:19 pm

Hahaha, Applebee’s WAS the best in high school. We used to go there after home basketball games. I feel so bad for those poor servers who had to deal with us since 1) It was ALWAYS someone’s birthday – even if it wasn’t – just so they would bring cake and sing. 2) A million separate checks. 3) The annoying non-athletic, jersey-chasing girlfriends/want to be girlfriends of the boy’s team who came along and never ate. They just sat there taking up space and making the servers fetch them more water and lemons every 20 minutes.

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Swanky Dietitian July 23, 2012 at 7:05 pm

Haha! This story seriously brings back memories!! I know EXACTLY what you are talking about…too funny! :)

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eatingRD July 23, 2012 at 4:12 am

mmm definitely love fresh meals like this! I’ve been getting more into raw foods and have been loving nut pates and salad variations. Hope you are feeling better!

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Sara @ Nourish and Flourish July 23, 2012 at 7:56 am

I love that you made these in the morning to take advantage of the light! (I’ve done the same thing…multiple times. Ssshh! ;-p ) A zesty lettuce wrap sounds like a much more exciting way to start the day than a boring bowl of oatmeal. I’d take option A over option B ANY day!

Like you, I used to hit Applebee’s frequently when I was growing up. It definitely was THE spot. And also like you, I looooved the Oriental Chicken Salad. In fact, that’s all I’d ever order (unless I was there with friends for late night half-priced appetizers). Ahh, such fun memories. :)

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Swanky Dietitian July 23, 2012 at 7:04 pm

I love that you also frequented Applebee’s! It was seriously the spot in high school! :)

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Julia H. @ Going Gulia July 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Haha, love that you made these in the morning for the lighting…that’s dedication!

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Swanky Dietitian July 23, 2012 at 8:00 pm

Until I get a light kit, the outdoor lighting is my best friend. :)

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Rach July 23, 2012 at 7:55 pm

Love a good no-cook meal!

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Brittany July 23, 2012 at 8:56 pm

This look fabulous. I made swiss chard wraps the past two nights (blog post to come), but I did cook some rice and beans for it!! Owell, it was still delicious!

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Lena @Fit on the Rocks July 24, 2012 at 4:52 am

I love love love wraps, but it never occurs to me to make them. Weird, right? I’m making it my goal to make some before this summer is over because yours look incredible.

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Swanky Dietitian July 24, 2012 at 3:47 pm

Yeah, I know what you mean! I don’t think about making wraps either, especially using lettuce leaves. :)

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ea-the spicy rd July 25, 2012 at 3:49 am

Love Asian salads and even better in lettuce cups! Great “no cook” meal!!

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