Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Chinese Chicken Salad is a salad that has a variety of flavors influenced by Asian cuisine. It is a perfect healthy and delicious salad for any occasion.

The combination of cabbage, carrots, chicken, green onions, mandarin oranges, almonds, and cilantro creates a tasty and satisfying salad that will not disappoint.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delectable salad and provide tips on how to make it your own.

How To Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Preparing the Cabbage

The first step to making Chinese Chicken Salad is to prepare the cabbage. Take one Napa cabbage and wash it thoroughly. After washing, cut the cabbage in half with a big knife, then halve it again. Flip it over and cut off the core spot. You now have a quarter piece, which you can halve again or chop to the size that you like. Once you have about four cups of chopped cabbage, add it to your serving bowl.

For those who prefer a finer texture, it is common for this salad to have very finely shredded cabbage. However, larger pieces can also work, so do what works best for you. Next, thinly slice two cups of red cabbage and add it to the bowl with the Napa cabbage. Toss the two together before adding in the other ingredients.

Adding the Remaining Ingredients

After combining the cabbage, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Start by adding one cup of shredded carrots, followed by two cups of shredded cooked chicken. While you can cook the chicken at home, a simple store-bought rotisserie chicken can work wonders. Then, add half a cup of sliced green onions and 1/4 cup of slightly toasted almonds to the bowl.

For a burst of sweetness, add one cup of drained mandarin oranges. For those who enjoy cilantro, 1/4 cup of the herb can be added to the bowl as well. While optional, it adds an extra dimension of flavor to the dish. Toss all of the ingredients together in the bowl.

Making the Asian Dressing

Now that the salad is fully assembled, it’s time to make the best ever Asian dressing. To make the dressing, grab a sealable container and add 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar. Next, add in two tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, making sure it’s the toasted version. Add in two cloves of crushed garlic (about two teaspoons), two teaspoons of crushed ginger, one teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you prefer more pepper, feel free to add more. Seal the container and shake it until everything is combined.

Serving and Enjoying

To serve, pour the dressing over the salad and mix everything together. Top it off with wonton strips and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Kitchen tools or equipment needed for the recipe:

• Large knife
• Cutting board
• Serving bowl
• Sealable container
• Kitchen scissors
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven or toaster (to toast almonds, optional)

Tips or variations:

• Instead of using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you can grill or bake your own chicken breast and shred it.
• For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add tofu or tempeh for protein.
• If you don’t have napa cabbage, you can use regular green cabbage or a mix of cabbage and lettuce.
• To add some heat to the salad, you can add sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
• Instead of mandarin oranges, you can use fresh sliced oranges or even diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
• If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley or basil as a substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just toss everything together with the dressing and toppings when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Is the sesame oil necessary for the dressing?

A: Yes, the toasted sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the dressing. If you don’t have it, you can use regular sesame oil or olive oil, but the taste will be slightly different.

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar?

A: Rice wine vinegar is commonly used in Asian cuisine and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. However, you can use other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Just adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to balance out the acidity.

Final Thing

In summary, the Chinese Chicken Salad is a flavorful and healthy salad that is perfect for any occasion. It combines a variety of ingredients, including cabbage, carrots, chicken, green onions, mandarin oranges, almonds, and cilantro, with an Asian-inspired dressing. It’s easy to make and customizable to your liking. Whether you prefer a finely shredded or larger cabbage, or you want to add in more or less of a specific ingredient, this salad can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Give it a try, and experience the delicious flavors of Chinese Chicken Salad.

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