Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This salad combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a delectable dressing, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s not only easy to make, but also brings a little taste of Asia right to your kitchen.
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Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Easy Chinese Chicken Salad. First, it’s a healthy choice packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables. The combination of Napa cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots provides plenty of crunch while being low in calories. Second, it’s a versatile recipe; you can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients. Lastly, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect meal for busy weekdays or a light dish for gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up this tasty salad in no time.
How to Make Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Creating your own Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is simple and fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil (or another neutral oil)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrot, finely julienned
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shallots or scallions, sliced diagonally
- 1/2 to 1 cup crunchy noodles
- 1-2 tsp sesame seeds
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook and shred the chicken breasts, aiming for a golden brown exterior with a juicy interior. You can boil or grill the chicken to achieve the desired flavor.
- Chop the Vegetables: Rinse, dry, and chop the Napa cabbage and red cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You can also include green onions for extra crispness and aroma.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until a nutty aroma develops. This adds a nice flavor boost to your salad.
- Mix the Dressing: Combine vegetable oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, optional sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves, creating a balanced flavor for your salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped lettuce, shredded chicken, and toasted sesame seeds. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Garnish and Serve: Top your salad with crunchy noodles for a delightful finish. This ensures a pleasant balance of textures in each bite.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is best served fresh. When ready to serve, simply toss your ingredients with the dressing and add the crunchy noodles on top. You can serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for everyone to help themselves. This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
How to Store Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. When properly stored, the salad can last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just remember that the crunchy noodles may lose their texture over time, so you might want to add them fresh when serving.
Tips to Make Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crispy vegetables make all the difference in flavor and texture. Try to use ingredients that are in season for the best taste.
- Customizable Protein: If you prefer a different protein, feel free to substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you like your salad tangier, add more rice vinegar. For a sweeter salad, increase the sugar slightly.
- Add More Crunch: Consider adding other crunchy toppings like sliced almonds or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy version: Add a few drops of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Add fruits: Include mandarin oranges or sliced apples to give a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint can add a refreshing twist to the salad.
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments drained if canned
- 2 green onions sliced
Sesame Ginger Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, almonds, oranges, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for deeper flavor. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but it’s best to mix the dressing with the salad just before serving. This keeps the vegetables fresh and crisp.
2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately to avoid soggy vegetables. You can assemble everything in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
3. What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light lunch on its own. It’s a versatile side that complements many main dishes.
4. Can I use different types of cabbage?
Yes, you can use other types of cabbage like green cabbage or even mixed salad greens. The key is to have a crunchy texture in your salad.
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