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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chicken Cooking: Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring thorough cooking and optimal tenderness.
- 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.
- 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