Description
Refreshing Chinese chicken salad blends crisp vegetables with tender shredded chicken in a tangy sesame dressing. Crunchy cabbage, carrots, and almonds provide delightful texture that will make you crave this classic Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (946 ml) shredded or diced chicken
- 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 cup (237 ml) fried wonton strips
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (59 ml) cilantro, minced
- 2 tbsps sesame seeds
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) canola oil
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) rice vinegar
- ¼ cup (59 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1½ tbsps (22 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger, grated
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Dressing Preparation: Combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a glass jar, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
- Chicken Preparation: Deconstruct cooked chicken into bite-sized shreds using two forks, creating a consistent and easily consumable texture.
- Vegetable Breakdown: Slice napa cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro into thin, precise cuts to establish a multi-textured salad foundation.
- Salad Assembly: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently merge chicken, cabbage varieties, carrots, scallions, and cilantro, ensuring comprehensive ingredient integration.
- Dressing Application: Vigorously shake dressing jar to re-emulsify, then cascade over salad mixture, using tongs to guarantee uniform coating of all components.
- Finishing Touch: Crown the salad with crispy chow mein noodles and toasted sesame seeds, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty essence to the dish.
- Serving: Present immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant visual appeal.
Notes
- Optimize Dressing Consistency: Whisk ingredients in a glass jar for smoother blending and emulsification, preventing separation.
- Master Chicken Shredding: Use two forks to create uniform, tender pieces that absorb dressing evenly and enhance eating experience.
- Prep Vegetables Precisely: Slice cabbage thinly and julienne carrots to maintain crisp texture and maximize flavor absorption.
- Enhance Serving Technique: Add crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles and sesame seeds just before serving to preserve their crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg