If you’re looking for a salad that’s more than just greens and dressing, then this Chinese Chicken Salad is your answer. It’s vibrant, crunchy, and packed with flavor – the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, all in one bite. The tender chicken, paired with crunchy veggies and a tangy sesame dressing, is a game-changer that will make you rethink salads forever. Trust me, this one’s going to become your new go-to for lunch or dinner!
Why You’ll Love Chinese Chicken Salad
This recipe isn’t just about tossing ingredients together – it’s about creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a party dish, or even a side for dinner. You can enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside other meals.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken, cabbage, and a few pantry staples – that’s all you need. This dish won’t break the bank, but it’s packed with flavor that feels like a treat.
Quick and Easy: You can have this salad ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can add or swap out ingredients to suit your taste – toss in some edamame, use a different kind of dressing, or add extra protein if you’re feeling hungry.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad a hit with everyone. From the crunchy veggies to the tender chicken, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
This salad is made with simple ingredients that bring bold flavors. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breast: The tender, juicy chicken breast is the star of the show. Grilled or poached, it adds a satisfying protein element to the dish.
Cabbage: Both green and purple cabbage are used, creating a colorful, crunchy base for the salad.
Carrots: Julienned carrots add a nice crunch and a pop of color.
Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber brings a refreshing, crisp bite.
Green Onions: For a bit of sharpness and a pop of color, green onions are a must in this salad.
Almonds: Toasted almonds give the salad an extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasted sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: For an added crunch, crispy chow mein noodles are tossed into the salad right before serving.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this vibrant, flavorful salad:
Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either grill, bake, or poach it. Once cooked, let it cool and then slice it thinly.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooling, slice the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Toss everything together in a large salad bowl.
Toast the Almonds and Sesame Seeds: In a dry skillet, toast the almonds and sesame seeds over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant. Set them aside to cool.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and a little bit of fresh ginger. This sweet and savory dressing will bring everything together.
Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently.
Add the Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy chow mein noodles on top for that irresistible crunch.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad right away, either on its own or with your favorite side dish. It’s a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salad alongside a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement the salad’s freshness.
- Dumplings or Spring Rolls: Pair with some delicious homemade or store-bought dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Grilled chicken works best: For extra flavor, grill your chicken with a bit of soy sauce and ginger.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just toss the salad together and add the crunchy toppings right before serving.
- Customize the dressing: If you like a bit of heat, add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing.
- Add more protein: For a heartier dish, you can add shrimp, tofu, or even leftover beef.
FAQ’s
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to the salad. - Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. - What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil, though the flavor will be slightly different. - Can I use a different kind of nut?
Yes, cashews or peanuts would work great in this salad if you don’t have almonds. - What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?
You can substitute with crispy wonton strips or simply skip them if you prefer a lighter salad. - Can I add more veggies to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snow peas, or even avocado for extra flavor. - Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, use tofu instead of chicken, and make sure to use a plant-based dressing. - How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad (without the crispy noodles) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add some chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing to give it a nice kick. - How can I make this salad more filling?
Add some cooked quinoa, rice, or chickpeas for added texture and protein.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From its crispy, crunchy texture to its savory-sweet dressing, it’s a salad that truly satisfies. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing and crunchy salad with shredded chicken, crispy vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, napa cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to chill before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- For added crunch, include crispy fried noodles as a topping.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg