This Asian Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, and you can easily customize it with your favorite Asian-inspired ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or sliced (grilled or poached)
- 4 cups napa cabbage or romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds or peanuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional, for crunch)
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the napa cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Add the shredded chicken on top.
- Toss the salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the dressing.
- Add crunch:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy chow mein noodles for added texture and flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the Asian Chicken Salad immediately, either on its own or as a side dish to complement your meal.
Enjoy this refreshing, healthy, and flavorful Asian Chicken Salad, perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
