Lively Asian Chicken Salad with Zesty Ginger Dressing Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors when you whip up this incredible Asian chicken salad with zesty ginger dressing that bursts with freshness.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside tender, juicy chicken in a symphony of colors and textures.

The tangy ginger dressing adds a punchy kick that electrifies every single bite.

Crunchy cabbage, bright carrots, and succulent chicken create a harmonious blend of nutrition and taste.

Green onions and cilantro sprinkle a fragrant finish that makes this salad irresistible.

Packed with protein and loaded with zingy Asian-inspired notes, this dish promises a delightful meal that comes together in minutes.

Grab your ingredients and let’s turn an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into the Asian Chicken Salad

• Napa Cabbage: Provides a crisp, light foundation with subtle peppery notes, choose heads with bright green leaves and no brown spots.
• Red Cabbage: Adds vibrant color and extra crunch, select firm heads with deep purple hue.
• Carrots: Brings sweet earthiness and bright orange color, pick firm carrots with smooth skin.
• Snap Peas: Delivers fresh, green sweetness, look for pods that are bright green and snap easily.
• Baby Corn: Introduces delicate, tender texture, choose small, uniform kernels without blemishes.
• Bean Sprouts: Offers light, refreshing crispness, select sprouts that are white and springy.
• Red Bell Pepper: Contributes sweet, tangy flavor and brilliant color, pick peppers with smooth, glossy skin.
• Green Onions: Provides mild onion zest, choose bunches with bright green tops and white bases.
• Cilantro: Adds bright, herbal freshness, select leaves that are deep green and perky.

• Chicken Fillets: Serves as the primary protein, select fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal visible fat.

• Rice Vinegar: Creates tangy base for the dressing, choose clear, pure variety.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness, select low-sodium version for better control.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent flavor, pick firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and smooth texture, opt for raw, unprocessed honey.

Tools to Whip Up Zesty Ginger Chicken Salad

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy dressing by combining ingredients quickly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing and combining all the fresh salad ingredients.
• Meat Pounder: Helps flatten chicken fillets to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: Provides the perfect surface for achieving those delicious grill marks on chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping fresh vegetables precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients for balanced flavor.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken while grilling.
• Sealable Plastic Bag: Used for marinating chicken and keeping it evenly coated with dressing.

How to Assemble an Asian Salad with Zing

• Salad Foundation

Fresh crisp vegetables form the heart of this vibrant dish. Chop napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, snap peas, and other colorful veggies into bite-sized pieces. Mix them gently in a large bowl to create a delightful rainbow of textures and flavors.

• Zesty Liquid Gold

Transform simple ingredients into a magical dressing. Blend rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and fresh ginger until silky smooth. Slowly incorporate olive oil to create a creamy, tangy sauce that will elevate the entire salad experience.

• Chicken Transformation

Tenderize chicken fillets to ensure even cooking. Bathe the meat in a portion of the dressing, allowing it to soak up incredible flavors. Let the chicken marinate, developing depth and richness.

• Sizzling Protein

Heat a grill or grill pan until it whispers with potential. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through. Let the meat rest, allowing juices to redistribute and create maximum tenderness.

• Final Symphony

Slice the chicken into elegant strips. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad. Toss everything together, creating a harmonious blend of crisp vegetables and succulent chicken. Enjoy immediately or store for a delicious future meal.

Ginger Dressing Tips and Add-Ins

• Swap or add different vegetables like cucumber, edamame, or jicama for extra texture and nutrition without changing the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or sliced steak to create delightful protein alternatives that match the Asian-inspired dressing perfectly.
• Double the dressing recipe and store in an airtight container for up to one week, making future salad preparations faster and more convenient.
• Drizzle sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished salad for an extra kick of heat that complements the ginger's zesty flavor.
• Prep all ingredients separately and store in refrigerated containers, keeping vegetables crisp and chicken separate until ready to assemble for maximum freshness and convenience.

Serving the Asian Chicken Salad Fresh

• Serve with Crunchy Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken's tender meat.
• Create Asian-Inspired Plating: Arrange sliced chicken on top of the colorful vegetable base in a beautiful fan pattern, showcasing the vibrant ingredients and making the dish visually appealing.
• Pair with Refreshing Sides: Complement the salad with chilled edamame, spring rolls, or a small portion of steamed rice to balance the zesty ginger dressing and add more substance to the meal.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with additional fresh cilantro or mint leaves right before serving to boost the aromatic profile and provide a bright, crisp element to each bite.

Meal Prep Tips for Asian Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store the salad and chicken separately to maintain crispness. Keep dressing in a sealed container to prevent soggy greens. Vegetables stay fresh for 2-3 days when properly stored.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Chop vegetables and cook chicken up to 3 days before serving. Keep components separate until ready to eat. This method preserves texture and flavor of each ingredient.
• Pack for Lunch Efficiently: Use meal-prep containers with divided sections. Place dressing in a small sealed compartment to keep salad ingredients dry. Chicken can be sliced or kept whole based on preference.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Cooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before adding to fresh salad components.

Bold Asian Chicken Salad With Tangy Ginger Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Asian chicken salad delivers complex flavors balanced with fresh vegetables and a punchy ginger dressing. Crisp ingredients and tangy sauce combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken fillets, pounded
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 4 cups napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups red cabbage, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup carrots, shredded
• ½ cup snap peas
• ⅓ cup baby corn
• ⅓ cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• ¼ tsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Finely chop napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, snap peas, baby corn, bean sprouts, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro into a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and colorful salad foundation.
2. Dressing Creation: Blend rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and freshly grated ginger in a food processor, gradually incorporating olive oil to create a smooth, aromatic emulsion that will elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
3. Chicken Marination: Tenderize chicken fillets to an even thickness, then immerse in half the prepared dressing within a sealable bag, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), removing chicken from marinade and seasoning with salt and black pepper.
5. Chicken Cooking: Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring thorough cooking and optimal tenderness.
6. Final Assembly: Rest grilled chicken for 15 minutes, slice against the grain, and integrate with prepared vegetables, drizzling remaining dressing and tossing gently to distribute flavors evenly.
7. Serving: Present immediately for maximum freshness, or portion into meal-prep containers for a convenient, nutritious dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate Smart: Reserve some dressing before adding raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safe, flavorful sauce for serving.
• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken against the grain to guarantee tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s easy to chew and maximizes flavor absorption.
• Chill for Crunch: Prepare vegetables ahead of time and store separately to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting before serving.
• Customize Creatively: Swap proteins like tofu or shrimp for variety, and add toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg