Description
Chinese chicken salad is a fresh, crunchy, and protein-packed dish with crisp veggies, juicy chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing, making it a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast (grilled or shredded)
- 4 cups Napa cabbage or romaine (shredded)
- 2 carrots (julienned or shredded)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage (optional, for color)
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped cashews
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Optional: mandarin orange segments, crispy wonton strips
- For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lime or lemon juice
- Optional: sriracha or chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook and slice or shred the chicken breast. Grill with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Prep the vegetables by shredding the cabbage, slicing bell pepper, carrots, and green onions.
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, tangy, and salty.
- Toss the veggies and chicken in a large bowl, then pour the dressing over and mix gently to coat.
- Top with sesame seeds, nuts, and optional extras like orange segments or crispy wonton strips.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 4 servings.
- For variety, swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu.
- For added crunch, use sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts.
- To make it more filling, add soba noodles or brown rice.
- Edamame or snap peas add extra protein and texture.
- Store the undressed salad and chicken separately for up to 4 days. The dressing keeps well for up to a week in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
