Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped).; 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa).; 1 cup shredded carrots.; 1/2 cup sliced green onions.; 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds.; 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles.; 1/4 cup soy sauce.; 2 tbsp rice vinegar.; 2 tbsp honey.; 1 tbsp sesame oil.; 1 tbsp vegetable oil.; 1 tsp grated ginger.; 1 garlic clove (minced).; 1/2 tsp sesame seeds.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Packed with shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, carrots, green onions, and toasted almonds, this salad offers a delightful crunch in every bite. The tangy Asian dressing, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, adds a burst of flavor that complements the fresh ingredients. Topped with crispy chow mein noodles, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish, and enjoy the refreshing taste of this classic Asian-inspired salad.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With a combination of tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a tangy Asian dressing, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded or chopped, providing the main protein for the salad.
Shredded cabbage: 4 cups, either green or napa, forming the crunchy base of the salad.
Shredded carrots: 1 cup, adding color and sweetness.
Sliced green onions: ½ cup, for a fresh and slightly pungent flavor.
Toasted slivered almonds: ½ cup, providing a nutty crunch.
Crispy chow mein noodles: ½ cup, for added texture and flavor.
Soy sauce: ¼ cup, forming the base of the tangy Asian dressing.
Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp, adding acidity and brightness to the dressing.
Honey: 2 tbsp, for a touch of sweetness.
Sesame oil: 1 tbsp, giving the dressing a rich, nutty flavor.
Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp, to balance the dressing.
Grated ginger: 1 tsp, for a spicy and aromatic kick.
Garlic clove: 1, minced, adding depth of flavor to the dressing.
Sesame seeds: ½ tsp, for garnish and added texture.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, ½ cup sliced green onions, ½ cup toasted slivered almonds, and ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles.
Step 2:: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ tsp sesame seeds until well combined.
Step 3:: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4:: Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this salad as a main course or as a side dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss with fresh chow mein noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Helpful Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the chow mein noodles are gluten-free.
You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Ming Tsai recommends using freshly grated ginger for the dressing to enhance the flavor.
Chef David Chang suggests adding a dash of fish sauce for an umami boost.