I have had many chicken salad in my life, but I wanted to mix up the flavors a bit. This Asian Chicken Salad is full of protein and delicious, crunchy vegetables. It's a feast for the eyes as much as your appetite!
It's naturally gluten and dairy free and you can even make the meal ahead of time.
Asian chicken salad
There's something about the warmer weather that makes me crave a crisp, fresh salad. I like to keep a few different ones in the meal rotation for a variety of flavors and nutrients. However, instead of iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, this Asian salad has more of a salad base. I used napa and red cabbage, but you can also use kale if that's what you have. Cabbage is a cool-weather crop, so it's the perfect main ingredient for a spring salad!
I add colorful, crunchy vegetables like carrots and snow peas for even more variety. The mandarin oranges add a touch of sweetness and the hearty chicken makes it a protein-rich meal. The best part though is salad dressing. It has a nice umami flavor from coconut aminos, garlic and toasted sesame oil. Then I use both maple syrup and honey to add some sweetness.
What chicken to use
I pre-cook my proteins at the beginning of the week to make meal prep even easier. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. You can also use chicken thighs or grilled chicken if that's what you have. I cook my chicken in a little bone broth which makes it really tender and easy to shred. If you are using grilled chicken, you will need slices instead.
To save time, I don't marinate my chicken like some Chinese chicken salad recipes do. If you want to add even more flavor, you can marinate your chicken in a few tablespoons of sesame sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Decorating ideas
These add another layer of crunch! Instead of mein noodles or ramen noodles, we're using real food ingredients.
Toasted Sesame Vinaigrette
This might just be the star of the salad. I usually add olive oil to vinaigrettes, but this version uses toasted sesame oil. It's a little sweet, a little gooey, and full of flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger add a nice antimicrobial boost and some spice. If you like your salad a little spicy, you can add some siracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Asian chicken salad
This Asian-inspired chicken salad recipe isn't just a quick meal idea; it's a colorful, nutritious and refreshing way to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors in one bowl.
For the salad
- 3 CUPS cooked chicken (chopped or chopped)
- 1 CUP Red cabbege (finely chopped)
- 1 small head of napa cabbage (finely chopped)
- 1 CUP carrots (shredded or finely chopped)
- 1 CUP snow peas (sliced, optional for added crunch)
- 1 CUP mandarin orange slices (optional for a sweet burst)
- ½ CUP cashew (baked, optional for extra crunch)
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In a 16-ounce mason jar with lid, combine sauce ingredients; soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame seeds (if using). Cover the lid and shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Leave it aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, red cabbage, napa cabbage, carrots, snow peas, and mandarin oranges (if using).
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Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad ingredients as needed (you may not use them all) and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle over any desired garnish and serve immediately for the best taste.
Nutrition facts
Asian chicken salad
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 427
Calories from fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19 g29%
Saturated fat 3 g19%
Trans fat 0.01 g
Unsaturated fat 5 g
Monounsaturated fat 8 g
cholesterol 72 mg24%
Sodium 438 mg19%
potassium 1373 mg39%
Carbohydrates 36 g12%
Fiber 6 g25%
Sugar 20 gr22%
Protein 32 g64%
Vitamin A 6942 IU139%
Vitamin C 105 mg127%
Calcium 261 mg26%
Iron 3 mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- I like to add some homemade wonton strips and green onions on top as a garnish.
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, add the dressing and crunchy garnishes right before serving.
More salad ideas
Looking for easy recipes to add more life to your life? I love salad, but having a variety during the week is key. Try one of these recipes!
What is your favorite healthy salad? Leave a comment and let us know!
