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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad.
