No-Cook Easy Chicken Salad & Salsa: Healthy Recipes

Looking for a quick, healthy, and no-cook meal? We’ve got two easy chicken salad recipes for you - both perfect for repurposing leftover chicken, whether it’s roasted, steamed, or fried. You can even use chicken from a curry. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, turn them into a delicious, protein-packed dish in minutes (NO-COOK BOILED PEANUT SALAD).

Both recipes are essentially chicken salad, but the first one, with its fresh and zesty twist, can also be considered Chicken Salsa - which is why we’ve given it a name of its own . You can check out the attached YouTube video for a step-by-step guide. The second is a classic Chicken Salad - simple, nutritious, and just as delicious (COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY)

Spicy Eggs Recipe: Resepi Telur Balado Indonesia

Eggs again? Why not! This time, let’s spice things up with Telur Balado, an Indonesian-style spicy egg dish. Think of it as a sambal-infused delight - bold, fiery, and packed with flavor (EGG SAMBAL RECIPE). But of course, Ms. Nava’s twist makes it even better.

The star here is the Balado sauce, a versatile Indonesian sambal that works beyond just eggs (EASIEST EGG FRIED RICE RECIPE). Use it to stir-fry veggies, coat crispy fried fish, or even jazz up poultry. Got more ideas? Go for it (SURAKARTA - INDONESIA'S HEARBEAT TRAVEL).

No-Cook Boiled Peanut Salad Recipe

Isn’t this such a refreshing, eye-catching, and mouthwatering salad? It absolutely is! The best part? No cooking required - just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick toss, and you have a salad bursting with flavor (MANGO SALAD RECIPE). Boiled peanuts, also known as braised peanuts, add a soft, nutty bite, while fresh tomatoes, cucumber, shallots, and chilies bring in crunch and a refreshing contrast.

Salted Fish Sambal Recipe: Sambal Ikan Asin

Sambal Ikan Asin, or salted fish sambal, is a cherished Malaysian classic. This flavorful dish is a staple for those who enjoy rice meals, with salted fish sambal serving as the ideal side or accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Simple yet incredibly rewarding, the recipe calls for just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. While there are numerous variations, the core ingredients remain unchanged (PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Why is this the Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, you ask? Well, it’s my very own kitchen invention - a unique fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. The secret lies in the combination of familiar kitchen staples, which I’m sure you already have on hand.

Here’s the twist: the salmon (TANDOORI SALMON RECIPE) is first fried to crispy, spicy perfection before being topped with a luscious teriyaki sauce. Can you imagine the taste? Think spicy, crispy salmon with a delightful balance of saltiness and tanginess, garnished with the fresh aroma of spring onions (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS) and the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds.

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Just 8 ingredients to make this Easy Pumpkin Soup! Except for buying the pumpkin, chances are you already have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry? This thick, creamy, and velvety pumpkin soup is perfect for chilly weather and makes a great family dish - even the kids will love it! Serve it as a light dinner on its own, pair it with toast, or sprinkle some croutons for added texture (CHINESE GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP). 

Best Chicken Soup - Indian Style

What comes to mind when you think of Indian Chicken Soup? Surely, it’s the magical role of spices that add much-loved enhancement, wouldn’t you agree (SIMPLE AND HEARTY LAMB SOUP)? Making soups can be simplified, but if you enjoy grinding and pounding spices, I salute you. 

For the rest of us, like Ms. Nava, no worries! We have the convenience of spice powders, readily available from various brands at shops or grocers. Trust me, these powdered spices are no less flavorful - I’ve been using them for years and love trying different brands.

Easy Veggie Fried Rice: Malaysian Style

No, not your ordinary fried rice. It is the easy and ultimate Malaysian Fried Rice. Why not ordinary? Because potatoes are one of the ingredients, which I believe is not a usual for fried rice? Correct me if I am wrong?

Why Malaysian Fried Rice, must be your next question? Because dried chilli paste, which is a popular ingredient for our Malaysian especially sambal dishes, is the other ingredient. Considering also, how much Malaysians love spiciness in food (QUICK TOM YUM FRIED RICE).  Let alone, we Malaysians love our rice. Anytime meal of the day.  Pretty much it sums up, why this Malaysian Ms, Nava, made a Malaysian version fried rice.

Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes - Italian Recipe

Nothing beats the luscious, super smooth texture of mashed potatoes - especially when you’re generous with milk and butter. This is an Italian-style recipe. Surprised? I picked up the technique during my time in Italy, tasting and coaxing hints from restaurant owners who were reluctant to share their secrets but offered enough clues to get me started (THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COMO, LUGANO & MILAN).

Ginger Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

If not the whole world, countless voices have already extolled the benefits of ginger. So, I’m not here to be another parrot. What makes my ginger rice special? It’s made with freshly harvested ginger from Nava’s Zen - specifically, the prized Bentong Ginger variety (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG). By the way, anyone can grow ginger. There’s no rigid rulebook for it. The same goes for making ginger rice. But a gentle reminder - too much ginger can increase body heat, so moderation is key to reaping its benefits.

Stir-Fried Luncheon Meat Recipe: Korean Style

Are you a fan of luncheon meat? Then this recipe is for you! Even if you're not, why not give it a shot? Before diving into the recipe, let's clear up the difference between Spam and luncheon meat.

Spam is a specific brand of canned, cooked pork, while luncheon meat is a more generic term for similar products that come in various types, including pork (PORK CHOP RECIPE), chicken, beef, or turkey. Though some criticize luncheon meat for being unhealthy, there are now higher-quality options available.

Soto Ayam/Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup

The best food for rainy, chilly weather is undoubtedly comfort food. For me, comfort food means a hearty bowl of noodle soup - a wholesome, satisfying meal. Over time, I’ve made various types of chicken noodle soup, but this time I chose to prepare Soto Ayam, a Malay Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup (VEGETABLE STEW/MASAK LODEH PUTIH). 

Crispy Potato Cutlet Recipe: Aloo Tikki

One thing I've learned about cooking is that simplicity and minimal ingredients go a long way. In today's fast-paced world, a well-stocked pantry can make cooking dishes like crispy potato cutlets, or aloo tikki, a breeze. While the potatoes simmer, gather the rest of the ingredients. Once mashed, simply combine everything, shape into balls, flatten, and fry until golden.

Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style

(Updated Version)

The sweetness of pumpkin, cooked in a rich spiced masala paste. This is a pumpkin dish revelation - a true delight for your taste buds. For those who cook regularly, these ingredients are likely staples in your pantry (EASY PUMPKIN COCONUT MILK CURRY). Grab a small pumpkin or a quarter of a medium-sized one, and let’s get started. Spiced Pumpkin Masala will awaken your senses and leave you craving more - one dish you’ll surely make again and again (BEST INDIAN NO COOK SALAD RECIPES). 

Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style

Fish head curry lovers, rejoice! Here’s an easy Malaysian-style fish head curry recipe. Why easy, you ask? Because there’s no grinding or pounding involved—just store-bought spice powders for the curry base.

This isn’t your ordinary fish head curry either. For a unique tang, I’ve used belimbing buluh, a small variety of starfruit. Can’t find belimbing buluh? No worries - just substitute it with a mix of tomatoes and tamarind juice (STEAMED FISH - THAI STYLE). 

Easiest Egg Fried Rice Recipe - Chinese Style

(Updated Version)

A timeless classic. The easiest egg fried rice, forever etched in my memory. Growing up in a humble family, this Chinese-style (CHINESE PORK CHOPS) fried rice was a true treat. Eggs, back then, were a luxury for us, but my late mum, with her unending love, always found a way to bring them into our meals. She knew how much we adored eggs and, despite our limited means, made it a point to buy them with the little money she had (EASY, SIMPLE & QUICK EGG RECIPES)

Ayam Goreng Berempah (Malay Spiced Fried Chicken)

(Updated Version)

Here's a beloved Malay chicken recipe for you today: Ayam Goreng Berempah, also known as Spiced Fried Chicken. This dish is a true favorite, bursting with the flavors of our local Malay herbs and spices. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, with tender, juicy bites inside (4 CHILLI CHICKEN RECPES). 

 

The list of ingredients may seem a bit long, but trust me, it’s worth every effort. Here's a handy tip (PENGAT DURIAN/DURIAN SWEET PORRIDGE): you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. In other words, cook the chicken on the stove with the herb mixture first. Then, when you're ready, simply thaw and fry for a quick, flavorful meal.

Coconut Creamed Spinach Recipe

(Updated Version)

This recipe features spinach, coconut milk, and spices - simple yet flavorful. With minimal ingredients, it’s easy to prepare using what you likely have in your kitchen (EASY CHICKPEA SPINACH  CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). You can adjust the amount of ingredients to suit your taste. A perfect dish for those who enjoy simplicity without sacrificing deliciousness.

 

As always, my recipes focus on making cooking effortless and mouthwateringly good. Spinach is one of the many things we grow at Nava’s Zen (CLAYPOT EGGPLANT CURRY)- organic, pesticide-free, and available in various varieties. Thinking of starting your own garden? You can grow spinach in pots too.

Easy and Quick Fried Rice Recipe: Tom Yum

With time being a valuable resource today, let's simplify cooking and avoid spending more time than necessary (SPICY LEMONGRASS STEAMED FISH: THAI STYLE). Fried rice, a quick and easy dish, is perfect for those moments when you need a meal in a jiffy. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked white rice, promoting sustainable cooking. Additionally, growing your own ingredients, like we do at Navas' Zen, can save time on grocery trips.

Easy Grilled Turmeric Tofu Recipes

Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow-orange hue, is as calming to the mind as it is versatile in the kitchen. Renowned for its health benefits, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes heart and brain health.