Zesty Asian Chicken Salad Recipe for Fresh Summer Meals

Summer heat calls for a refreshing Asian chicken salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and crisp textures.

Tangy dressing mingles with tender, succulent chicken pieces nestled among crunchy vegetables.

Colorful cabbage, carrots, and herbs create a symphony of colors and tastes that dance on your plate.

This light yet satisfying meal brings together classic Asian ingredients in a delightful harmony.

Zesty green onions and toasted sesame seeds add depth and complexity to every bite.

Quick to assemble and packed with nutrition, this salad offers a perfect balance of protein and fresh produce.

Let’s find out this delectable dish that promises to cool you down and satisfy your taste buds with its irresistible blend of flavors.

Serve Asian Chicken Salad Cold and Crunchy

• Fresh Crunch Combo: Sprinkle crispy wonton strips or extra toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and authentic Asian-inspired crunch.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or shrimp to create exciting protein variations that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Colorful Veggie Enhancement: Add sliced mandarin oranges, julienned carrots, or diced cucumber to increase visual appeal and nutritional value of the salad.
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Pack components separately in mason jars for a portable lunch option that keeps ingredients fresh and prevents soggy greens.

How to Keep Asian Chicken Salad Crisp Overnight

• Quick Refrigeration Lifeline: Store this vibrant salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Dressing Storage Hack: Prepare extra dressing and store in a sealed jar within the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for quick meal prep and spontaneous salad cravings.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep crunchy elements like almonds and chow mein noodles in separate sealed containers to retain their delightful crispness until serving time.
• Smart Chicken Planning: Cook additional chicken strips during meal preparation and refrigerate for up to 3 days, enabling swift assembly of future salad variations or quick lunch options.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in a Great Asian Chicken Salad

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the dressing with a silky smooth texture.
• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy richness and provides a smooth foundation for the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and helps emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Delivers bright, sharp acidity that balances the sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes authentic Asian-inspired nutty and aromatic undertones.

• Tyson's Crispy Chicken Strips: Delivers convenient, crunchy protein with golden-brown exterior.
• Mixed Greens: Provides fresh, varied texture and nutritional diversity.
• Bagged Coleslaw Mix: Offers crisp, pre-shredded cabbage for instant crunch and volume.

• Sliced Almonds: Introduces toasty, elegant crunch with delicate nutty flavor.
• Chow Mein Noodles: Adds signature crispy Asian-style texture and playful crackle.

Salad Bowls and Tools That Make Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing greens and creating the salad base.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken strips into thin pieces.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut chicken precisely and neatly.
• Baking sheet: Used for baking chicken strips according to package instructions.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate dressing ingredient proportions.
• Small bowl: Convenient for mixing and chilling the dressing.

Layering Asian Chicken Salad the Right Way

• Dressing Preparation

Whip together a silky smooth blend of sweet honey, creamy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, tangy vinegar, and nutty sesame oil. Chill the mixture to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

• Chicken Magic

Roast golden chicken strips until perfectly cooked, then let them rest and cool. Slice the tender meat into delicate, mouth-watering strips that will crown your salad.

• Green Foundation

Create a vibrant base by mixing crisp mixed greens with crunchy coleslaw, forming a colorful canvas for your delicious creation.

• Salad Assembly

Layer the green mixture with succulent chicken strips. Sprinkle a handful of toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles for an irresistible texture explosion.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the chilled, flavor-packed dressing over the salad just before serving, transforming a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece that will make taste buds dance.

Ideal Tips for a Fresh, Crisp Salad

• Replace chow mein noodles with crispy wonton strips or rice noodles for extra crunch and unique texture.
• Substitute chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or sliced beef to match your dietary preferences and keep the salad exciting.
• Enhance the dressing by adding a splash of sriracha or grated fresh ginger for a spicier, more complex flavor profile.
• Mix in additional fresh vegetables like julienned cucumber, shredded carrots, or edamame to increase nutritional value and color variety.
• Prepare chicken and dressing separately up to two days in advance, storing components in sealed containers to maintain freshness and save time during meal prep.

Zesty Asian Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Refreshing asian chicken salad brings zesty flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine to your table. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and tangy dressing create a balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 pieces tyson’s crispy chicken strips
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups bagged coleslaw mix
• ⅓ cup chow mein noodles
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) honey
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsps (10 ml) dijon mustard
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk honey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile.
2. Chicken Roasting: Roast chicken strips in the oven according to package instructions until fully cooked and achieve a golden-brown exterior, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine mixed salad greens with shredded coleslaw mix in a large serving bowl, creating a textured and colorful foundation for the salad.
4. Protein and Toppings: Slice cooled chicken strips diagonally and layer over the green mixture, then garnish with sliced almonds and crispy chow mein noodles to introduce contrasting textures and nutty undertones.
5. Final Touch: Retrieve the chilled dressing and delicately drizzle over the salad moments before serving to preserve the crispness of the noodles and maintain the overall freshness of the dish.

Notes

• Chill Dressing Strategically: Refrigerate dressing for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Roast Chicken Perfectly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Maintain Crunch Texture: Add crunchy toppings like almonds and chow mein noodles just before serving to preserve their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Dress Moments Before Serving: Drizzle dressing at the last second to keep salad ingredients fresh, preventing wilting and maintaining optimal texture and taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg