Description
This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breast combined with crisp napa cabbage, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp carrots. Tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade sesame dressing with hints of ginger and garlic, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or easy meal prep that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 4 cups shredded napa or green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined to form a flavorful sesame dressing.
- Combine Vegetables and Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded napa or green cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, sliced almonds, chopped fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to mix all the salad components evenly.
- Add Chicken: Incorporate the cooked shredded or sliced chicken breast into the bowl with the vegetables and nuts. Toss gently again to distribute the chicken evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad thoroughly but gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Allow the salad to rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting period lets the flavors meld and the dressing to slightly soften the vegetables for optimal taste.
- Optional Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with extra sesame seeds and additional chopped cilantro if desired before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken significantly reduces preparation time, making this recipe quicker and easier.
- For extra crunch and texture, add crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles just before serving.
- To make this salad gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with certified gluten-free tamari sauce.
- If preparing the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
