Description
Zesty Chinese Chicken Salad brings together crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing for a refreshing culinary journey. Crunchy cabbage, mandarin oranges, and roasted peanuts create a delightful harmony you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 pound (454 g) Napa cabbage, cored and finely shredded
- 2 cups (473 ml) red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
- 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (237 ml) fried wonton strips
Garnish and Herbs:
- ¼ cup (59 ml) fresh cilantro, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola oil
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) rice vinegar
- ¼ cup (59 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1½ tablespoons (22 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small glass jar until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended.
- Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, ensuring uniform texture and easy eating.
- Thinly slice napa cabbage and green cabbage to create a crisp, varied base for the salad.
- Julienne carrots into delicate, matchstick-sized strips to add vibrant color and crunchy texture.
- Finely chop scallions and fresh cilantro leaves, distributing them evenly throughout the salad mixture.
- Gently toss chicken, cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Vigorously shake the dressing jar to re-emulsify the ingredients, then drizzle over the salad.
- Using salad tongs, carefully coat all ingredients with the dressing, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles and toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s fresh texture and vibrant appearance.
Notes
- Shake dressing ingredients in a jar to create a vibrant, tangy coating that adds zesty flavor to the entire salad.
- Toss fresh, crunchy vegetables with tender chicken for a balanced mix of textures and colors.
- Sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles and nutty sesame seeds on top for an irresistible crunch that elevates the dish.
- Keep leftover salad refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and taste.
- Customize by swapping rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu to suit different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg