Discover the vibrant flavors and crunchy textures of our Chinese Chicken Salad with Brussels Sprouts! This refreshing dish combines tender shredded chicken, crisp Brussels sprouts, and colorful carrots, all tossed together with a zesty sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful dinner, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing option that will leave you craving more. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for roasting Brussels sprouts if not already pre-cooked.
- Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning with salt and pepper. If not pre-cooked, bake or grill chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, pulling the meat apart into thin, even strips.
- Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and carefully shred them using a sharp knife or food processor, creating thin, uniform slices.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts, shredded chicken, and carrots.
- Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add toasted almonds to the salad mixture.
- Drizzle sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light, refreshing meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook and shred the chicken a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to toss into your salad when you're ready to eat.
- Brussels Sprouts: If you prefer a roasted flavor, roast the Brussels sprouts for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they're golden and crispy before shredding them for the salad.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to almonds or simply don’t have any on hand, feel free to substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings! While sesame dressing is delicious, a light vinaigrette or a peanut dressing can add a unique twist to the salad.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. For a heartier meal, consider adding some quinoa or brown rice to the mix.
- Garnish: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh, oniony bite that elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
- Meal Prep: This salad is great for meal prep! Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing to keep everything fresh throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
