Description
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish combining shredded chicken with colorful Napa and purple cabbage, crisp vegetables, and toasted almonds. Tossed in a flavorful dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and an irresistible Asian-inspired taste. A quick and easy meal ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to create the salad base.
- Add Chicken and Crunch: Incorporate the cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast along with toasted sliced almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, honey, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal crunchiness and freshness, serve the salad right away and enjoy the blend of vibrant textures and Asian flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra nuts.
- To enhance nuttiness, toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding.
- Adjust sweetness in the dressing by varying honey and brown sugar amounts.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
