Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your salad game! This Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine a perfect harmony of textures: crisp cabbage, tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and irresistible chow mein noodles, all dancing together in a sesame dressing that will make your mouth water. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or an impressive side dish, this recipe promises to deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Shred the cabbage finely and place it in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to use fresh cabbage for a crunchy texture.
- Next, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you don't have cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly poach or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them.
- Grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor. Add the grated carrots to the bowl with the cabbage and chicken.
- Slice the almonds if they are not already sliced. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown to enhance their flavor. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
- In the same bowl, add the sliced almonds and the crispy chow mein noodles. These will provide a delightful crunch to your salad.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad mixture. Start with half of the dressing and toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
- Once everything is well combined, transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- For garnish, chop the green onions and sprinkle them over the top of the salad. This will add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve the Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad immediately for the best texture. Enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish!
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and crunch.
- Chicken Prep: If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to speed up the process.
- Toasting Almonds: Take an extra minute to toast your almonds—it dramatically enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Dressing Hack: Add the dressing gradually and taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
- Customization: Feel free to add extra protein like edamame or swap almonds for cashews for variety.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after mixing to preserve the salad's signature crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
