Description
This Chinese Chicken Salad features crisp green cabbage, sweet carrots, and tender shredded chicken tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing made with apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Toasted almonds and sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while fresh cilantro enhances the herbal freshness. Perfect for a quick, refreshing lunch or a vibrant dinner side, this salad balances textures and flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (natural) or tamari (natural) for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp honey (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast until tender and fully cooked through. Allow it to cool, then shred into bite-sized strips or chunks for easy mixing with the salad.
- Chop and Prepare Vegetables: Thinly slice the green cabbage, julienne or shred the carrots, dice the red bell pepper, and finely chop the green onions. Properly sharp and thin cuts improve the salad’s texture.
- Toast the Nuts and Seeds: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds and sesame seeds until they turn golden and emit a fragrant aroma. This enhances their flavor and gives a satisfying crunch.
- Mix the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), soy sauce (natural), sesame oil (natural), honey (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), freshly grated ginger (natural), and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Warm slightly to activate the gelling agent and enrich the dressing’s silky texture.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and shredded chicken. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite is coated with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, elegant finish. Serve immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Prep vegetables ahead of time to speed assembly on busy days.
- Warm the dressing slightly to enhance texture.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Add crunchy rice noodles or wonton strips for extra texture.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by varying honey or apple cider vinegar (natural) to taste.
- Store dressing separately if preparing ahead to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required aside from chicken preparation
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Chinese chicken salad, healthy salad, chicken salad recipe, crunchy salad, quick salad, gluten free salad
