This Easy Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad is packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken, all tossed in a tasty dressing. It’s crunchy, colorful, and a feast for the eyes!
You can enjoy it as a light meal or a fun side dish. I like to add extra nuts for some crunch—who doesn’t love a little texture? Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For convenience, I love using rotisserie chicken. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Cabbage: Napa cabbage gives a lovely crunch. If unavailable, try using savoy cabbage or even iceberg lettuce. Purple cabbage adds color, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler look.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the salad, but if you’re not a fan, parsley works just as well for a different flavor.
Almonds: These add crunch and healthy fats. If nuts aren’t your thing, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can make a great substitute.
Dressing: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Maple syrup is a nice alternative to honey for vegans!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Salad?
A key to a fantastic salad is the preparation of your veggies. Here’s what to focus on:
- Slice all ingredients thinly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and easy to enjoy!
- For the cabbage, a sharp knife or mandoline helps get those fine slices that make the salad enjoyable.
- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes or chill in the fridge. This lets the dressing soak in and flavors develop.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect mix of textures and tastes in every bite! Enjoy your salad!
Easy Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted almonds, sliced (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing, you can choose to serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by neatly slicing the Napa cabbage and purple cabbage into thin strips. Next, julienne or shred the carrot for an added crunch. Then, slice the green onions and chop or shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Set everything aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In your large bowl, mix together the Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrot, green onions, fresh cilantro, and the chicken pieces until everything is evenly distributed. This colorful mixture will form the base of your salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix them until well combined. This dressing adds a savory touch to your salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables and chicken are well-coated with the dressing. This step is key to flavoring every bite!
5. Add Crunch:
If you’re using sliced almonds, add them now to the salad. Gently toss again to mix them in. The almonds will give your salad a lovely crunchy texture.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the salad into serving bowls or a large platter. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top for a beautiful garnish. It adds a little extra flavor and makes your dish look stunning!
7. Enjoy or Chill:
The salad can be served immediately, but if you prefer the flavors melded together, cover and chill it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy your healthy and delicious salad!
This vibrant salad is not only colorful but also loaded with crunchy textures and a savory dressing, making it satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the vegetables.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan or Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this salad vegan or vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. This keeps it delicious and satisfying!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that if your salad has dressing, it may get a bit soggy over time, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, cucumber, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Just remember to slice everything thinly for a great texture!
