Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines vibrant flavors, crunchy textures, and a delightful balance of ingredients? Look no further than the Chinese Chicken Salad! This dish is not only refreshing and nutritious, but it’s also a quick and easy meal that the entire family will love. With juicy pieces of chicken, an assortment of crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, every bite is a flavorful explosion that leaves you craving more. Fun fact: did you know that this salad has roots in Chinese-American cuisine? It’s often enjoyed as a lighter option at Chinese restaurants and is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy veggies into your diet. If you like other crisp salads like the classic Caesar salad but are looking for something different, this delightful dish will surely become a new favorite. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the world of Chinese Chicken Salad!

What is Chinese Chicken Salad?

Now, let’s chat about the name "Chinese Chicken Salad." It sounds a bit fancy, doesn’t it? You might be thinking, “Is this something I need to dress up for?” Not at all! The name stems from its origins, as it brings together traditional Chinese flavors in a salad form. Imagine a party where crunchy veggies and tender chicken get together to throw the best flavor bash—sounds like a blast, right? It’s as if all your favorite ingredients decided to team up because, after all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! So why not let this salad charm its way into your kitchen? Give it a go, and you’ll be saying, "When can we have this again?" in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Salad

Let’s talk about why this Chinese Chicken Salad is a must-try! First off, the main highlight is undoubtedly the perfectly grilled chicken seasoned just right—juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor! Secondly, making it at home is a real money-saver. Why fret about spending too much at a restaurant when you can whip this up with fresh ingredients? Lastly, the vibrant toppings—think crunchy napa cabbage, colorful bell peppers, and crisp carrots—bring the dish to life, enhancing the overall flavor profile and providing delightful texture. Sometimes, salads can be boring, but we promise this one is anything but! If you love a refreshing salad, take a peek at our Thai Peanut Salad as well; you won’t regret it! Make this Chinese Chicken Salad your new go-to for lunch or dinner!

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Quick Overview

Creating this zingy Chinese Chicken Salad is quick and satisfying! With simple steps and a preparation time of about 30 minutes, you’ll have a fresh meal on the table in no time. The salad features an array of flavors from sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh veggies that mix splendidly with the chicken.

Key Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 cups napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and yellow work beautifully)
• ½ cup green onions (scallions), chopped
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup almonds, slivered
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have leftover chicken, season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill or pan-sear them until fully cooked. Allow to cool and slice or shred the chicken.

2. Chop the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and chopped green onions.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and fresh ginger until well combined.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced chicken to the mixing bowl with veggies. Drizzle the dressing over these ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring the veggies and chicken are evenly coated.

5. Serve and Garnish: Top the salad with chopped cilantro, slivered almonds, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy each crunchy, delicious bite!

What to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad With

This Chinese Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice for a filling meal, or complement it with fresh spring rolls for a delightful Asian-inspired feast. A light cucumber salad offers a refreshing touch, while a traditional hot-and-sour soup can elevate your dining experience, making it a well-rounded Asian feast!

Top Tips for Perfecting Chinese Chicken Salad

To elevate your Chinese Chicken Salad, here are a few tips:

• Try marinating the chicken in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking for added flavor.
• If you want a crunchier texture, use fried wonton strips instead of or alongside the almonds.
• You can substitute the napa cabbage with mixed greens for a different take or even use leftover rotisserie chicken for super quick preparation.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Chinese Chicken Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. However, due to the nature of the veggies, they may wilt, so it’s best to add the dressing right before serving. If you have any leftover chicken, it can be frozen for later use—simply seal it in a zip-top bag, and it will stay fresh for about three months. To reheat, just steam or warm up the chicken gently on the stove, and then toss with fresh salad ingredients!

Now that you know everything about the irresistible Chinese Chicken Salad, it’s high time you roll up your sleeves and bring this dish to life in your kitchen. Delight your taste buds and impress your family with this fantastic recipe today!

Chinese Chicken Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use leftover grilled chicken or cook fresh.
• 4 cups napa cabbage, chopped Can substitute with mixed greens.
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced Red and yellow work best.
• ½ cup green onions (scallions), chopped
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup almonds, slivered Can substitute with fried wonton strips.
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Dressing Ingredients

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Method

 

Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until fully cooked. Allow to cool and slice or shred the chicken.
2. Chop the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and fresh ginger until well combined.

Assembly

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced chicken to the mixing bowl with veggies. Drizzle the dressing over these ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
2. Serve and Garnish: Top the salad with chopped cilantro, slivered almonds, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, adding the dressing just before serving.