Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s quick, easy, and packed with textures and flavors you’ll love.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed lettuce such as romaine and spinach
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup red cabbage shredded
- ½ cup snap peas thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
- ¼ cup crispy wonton strips optional
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional for heat
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the skillet and allow to rest for a few minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, prep the vegetables. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, snap peas, cucumber, and green onions.
- Toast the almonds: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Be sure to stir them to prevent burning.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce, as needed.
- Assemble the salad: Add the cooked chicken to the salad bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently.
- Top and serve: Sprinkle the toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips (if using) on top of the salad. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the dressing.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- If you’re meal prepping, store the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
- This salad can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding tofu or extra veggies for protein.