Description
This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, colorful vegetables, and a crunchy topping of chow mein noodles, almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. Tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet sesame lime dressing, it makes for a vibrant, healthy meal perfect for a no-cook, quick prep lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup crunchy chow mein noodles
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, sliced napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix all the components evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad bowl. Toss thoroughly so that every ingredient is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, top the salad with crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds to retain their texture and add a delightful crunch.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh for the best texture. Optionally, garnish with additional lime wedges or fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Notes
- The salad and dressing can be prepared separately ahead of time and combined just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- Add mandarin oranges or chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh twist.
- This salad works well as a light main dish or as a side alongside Asian-inspired meals.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked tofu for chicken and use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
