Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish, often served as a light meal or side. It combines juicy, tender chicken with a crunchy array of vegetables, tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. The combination of fresh ingredients, sweet, savory flavors, and a satisfying crunch makes it a popular choice for many.

This recipe is also flexible: you can modify it by adding ingredients like mandarin oranges, shredded cabbage, or nuts. Plus, it’s a great option if you want to prepare it ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)

4 cups mixed greens (romaine, cabbage, or spinach)

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper

1/2 cup sliced cucumber

1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)

1/4 cup roasted almonds (or cashews)

1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional)

1/4 cup cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey (or agave for a vegan option)

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken. Grilled or rotisserie chicken works best for this recipe.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and chili flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Wash and dry the mixed greens. Shred the carrots, slice the bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.

Add the Toppings:

Just before serving, add the roasted almonds (or cashews) and crispy chow mein noodles. You can also sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the components separately and assemble just before serving for the best freshness.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can also add mandarin orange slices or swap out the almonds for peanuts.
• To make it vegetarian/vegan, skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh instead, along with a plant-based sweetener for the dressing.
• Storage: If preparing ahead of time, store the salad components separately (chicken, veggies, dressing) and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1/4 of the recipe):

Calories: 290–320 kcal

Protein: 24g

Carbohydrates: 16g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 7g

Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 2.5g

Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 60mg

Sodium: 530mg

Potassium: 350mg

Vitamin A: 120% DV

Vitamin C: 35% DV

Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Enjoy your homemade Chinese Chicken Salad!