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Chinese Chicken Salad

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Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crispy textures, making it a healthy, flavorful meal or side dish.

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
    4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
    1 cup shredded carrots
    1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
    1/4 cup green onions, sliced
    1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
    1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
    1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional, for crunch)
    For the Dressing:
    3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
    1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    1 tablespoon sesame oil
    1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
    1 small garlic clove, minced
    1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and toasted almonds. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.

  1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Dijon mustard, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes (if using) until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed — you can add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or soy sauce for saltiness.
  2. Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all of the ingredients evenly.
  3. Add the Crunch: If you’re using crispy chow mein noodles, sprinkle them over the salad just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  4. Serve: Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to add diced apples, grapes, or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
  • For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and use dairy-free yogurt or mayo.
  • For more protein, include hard-boiled eggs or bacon bits.
  • Swap the pecans or walnuts with almonds, pistachios, or cashews for a different twist.
  • If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the honey or add a little maple syrup to the dressing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chinese-chicken-salad/