Dive into a bowl of vibrant flavors with our irresistible Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing! This refreshing dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side at your next gathering, this salad combines tender shredded chicken, crisp napa cabbage, and crunchy peanuts, all drizzled with a creamy peanut dressing that’s simply to die for. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool, then shred using two forks.
- Prepare vegetables: Wash napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro thoroughly. Shred cabbage into thin strips using a sharp knife. Grate carrots using a box grater. Slice green onions diagonally. Chop cilantro leaves.
- Make peanut dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. If dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water to thin.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Dress the salad: Pour peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly with the dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer salad to serving plates. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for added crunch. Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Tips
- Cook the Chicken Ahead: To save time, consider grilling or baking extra chicken earlier in the week. Shredded chicken can be refrigerated and used in this salad for a quick meal.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference, such as bell peppers or snap peas, to enhance the crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili oil to the peanut dressing. For a sweeter profile, increase the honey to taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the chopped peanuts as a garnish; they add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp until you're ready to eat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
