Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining crispy vegetables, shredded chicken, and a zesty dressing for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded napa cabbage Fresh for the best flavor.
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 each red bell pepper, thinly sliced Adds a pop of color.
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained Canned or fresh.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted For added crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips (optional) For extra crunch.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use gluten-free if needed.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil Can substitute with another neutral oil.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, drained mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Gently toss everything together to ensure an even mix.
- While the salad ingredients are coming together, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Gradually whisk in the vegetable oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Drizzle the freshly made sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly. For an extra crunch, top with crispy wonton strips if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Notes
Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor. You can prepare salad ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crunch.