Oh, Chinese chicken salad! Just saying it makes my taste buds do a little happy dance.
Picture this: tender chicken with a hint of ginger, crisp greens that snap with freshness, and a dressing that’s both sweet and tangy—like a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day.
I remember the first time I had it at a friend’s backyard party last summer, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary lunch into something extraordinary, like finding a hidden gem in your own backyard.
Steps
- Prepare the Asian dressing by combining light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grapeseed oil, sugar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well and let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together finely shredded Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, shredded chicken, and sliced shallots. Add half of the crunchy noodles to the bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together to ensure even coating.
- Divide the dressed salad into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with additional crunchy noodles and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh and crunchy texture. If preparing ahead, keep the salad ingredients, dressing, and garnishes separate until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or canola or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrot, finely julienned
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shallots/scallions, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 1/2 to 1 cup crunchy noodles (such as Chang’s Fried Noodles)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
FAQ
- What makes the Chinese Chicken Salad unique?
- The standout feature of this salad is the Asian dressing and crunchy noodles, which add a delightful texture and flavor to any bowl of fresh greens. The combination of cabbage, carrots, green onions, and chicken, finished with sesame seeds, makes it a delicious option for packed lunches.
- Is the Asian dressing recipe authentic?
- While the dressing is inspired by Asian flavors, it is not entirely authentic Chinese. It includes ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, allowing for flexibility in preparation.
- Can I make this salad in advance?
- Yes, this salad is ideal for preparing ahead of time. The chopped vegetables can stay fresh for up to five days in an airtight container in the fridge, and the shredded chicken can be frozen. Just add fresh ginger and garlic to the dressing when ready to serve.
- What type of noodles should be used in the salad?
- Any brand of crunchy fried noodles can be used, whether thin or wide. The key is to ensure they are crunchy, as they add a crucial texture to the salad.
- Are there alternatives to the Asian dressing?
- Yes, a simple Asian Sesame Dressing can be used as an alternative. It is made with soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, oil, and sugar, and can be stored for weeks.
Tips
- For optimal flavor, allow the Asian dressing ingredients to sit for about 10 minutes after mixing. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- If you’re using green cabbage instead of Chinese cabbage, toss the salad with the dressing (but without the noodles) and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps the cabbage soften slightly before serving.
- Keep the salad, dressing, and garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the chopped vegetables can stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container, and the dressing will last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
- To ensure a crunchy texture, add the fried noodles just before serving. You can use any type of crunchy fried noodles, whether thick or thin, and they are typically available in the Asian section of supermarkets.
Equipment
- Jar with Lid: For mixing and storing the Asian Dressing.
- Mandoline Slicer or Julienne Peeler: For finely julienning the carrots.
- Grater: For grating fresh ginger.
- Large Salad Bowl: To mix the salad ingredients together.
