Description
Bright, crunchy Chinese chicken salad hits the spot when you want big flavor with little fuss. This version features seared chicken, crisp cabbage, toasted almonds, and a creamy sesame-ginger dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 300 g (about 4 cups) finely shredded Napa and green cabbage
- 140 g (2 medium) julienned or coarsely grated carrots
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 15 g (1/2 cup) loosely packed cilantro leaves (optional)
- 60 g (1/2 cup) sliced, toasted almonds
- 60 g (1 cup) wonton strips or crispy noodles (optional)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) light soy sauce or tamari
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) rice vinegar
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) toasted sesame oil
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) tahini
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey or white sugar (for vegan option)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Toast almonds and sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a plate to cool.
- Shred the cabbage and julienne the carrots. Combine with scallions and cilantro in a large bowl and chill briefly.
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, neutral oil, toasted sesame oil, tahini, honey, ginger, and garlic in a jar or bowl until smooth.
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Cook to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until coated. Add chicken, almonds, and wonton strips if using, with more dressing to taste.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra cilantro over the salad and serve immediately.
Notes
Dress the salad just before serving to keep crunchy elements intact. Store components separately in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Searing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg