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I’ve had a lot of chicken salads in my life, but I wanted to mix up the flavors a bit. This Asian salad with chicken is packed with protein and delicious crunchy veggies. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as your appetite!
It’s naturally gluten and dairy free and you can even prepare it in advance.
Asian chicken salad
There’s something about warm weather that makes me crave a fresh, crunchy salad. I like to keep several different items in my meal for a variety of flavors and nutrients. Instead of lettuce or romaine, this Asian salad has a more slaw base. I used Napa and red cabbage, but you can also use green cabbage 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 veggies like carrots and peas for more variety. Mandarin oranges add a touch of sweetness, and the flavorful chicken makes for a protein-rich meal. The best part though is the salad dressing. It has a lovely umami flavor from coconut aminos, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. Then I use maple syrup and honey to add a little sweetness.
What chicken to use
I pre-cook proteins at the beginning of the week to make meal prep easier. This recipe is also a great way to use up some leftover chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. You can also use chicken thighs or roasted chicken if that’s what you have. I cook the chicken in bone broth which makes it tender and easy to shred. If you’re using roasted chicken, you’ll need to cut it into strips instead.
To save time, I don’t season the chicken as some Chinese chicken salad recipes do. If you want to add more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a few tablespoons of sesame sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Decorating ideas
These add another layer of crunch! Instead of chow mein noodles or ramen noodles though we use real food ingredients.
Roasted sesame sauce
This might just be a power star. I usually add olive oil to a vinaigrette but this version uses toasted sesame oil. It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and full of flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger add a nice antimicrobial boost and a bit of spice. If you like your salad a little spicy, you can add a little sriracha 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 colourful, nutritious and refreshing way to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors in one bowl.
For power
- 3 Glasses Cooked chicken (syllable or clip)
- 1 cup Red cabbage (finely shredded)
- 1 Small head of napa cabbage (finely shredded)
- 1 cup carrot (grated or thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Snow peas (slices, optional for extra crunch)
- 1 cup Mandarin orange slices (optional for sweet explosion)
- ½ cup Cashews (toasted, optional for extra crunch)
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In a 16-ounce bowl with a lid, combine marinade ingredients; Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame seeds (if using). Close the lid and shake well until all ingredients are well mixed. Sit aside.
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In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, red cabbage, Napa cabbage, carrots, peas, and oranges (if using).
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Drizzle the salad dressing over the salad ingredients as needed (you may not use all of them) and toss gently to make sure everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle over any desired garnish and serve immediately for best flavor.
Nutritional facts
Asian chicken salad
Amount Per Serving (1 Serving)
Calories 427
Calories from fat 171
% daily value*
fat 19 grams29%
Saturated fat 3 grams19%
Trans fats 0.01 grams
Polyunsaturated fats 5 grams
Monounsaturated fat 8 grams
Cholesterol 72 mg24%
sodium 438 mg19%
Potassium 1373 mg39%
Carbohydrates 36 grams12%
Fiber 6 grams25%
Sugar 20 grams22%
protein 32 grams64%
Vitamin A 6942 IU139%
Vitamin C 105 mg127%
Calcium 261 mg26%
iron 3 mg17%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- I like to add some homemade wonton slices and scallions to the top as a garnish.
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, add the dressing and crunchy garnishes just before serving.
More salad ideas
Looking for more easy recipes to add more crunch to your life? I love salad but having variety throughout the week is key. Try one of these recipes!
What is your favorite healthy salad? Leave a comment and let us know!
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