Discover the delightful blend of Asian-inspired flavors in this Crisp and Flavorful Chinois Chicken Salad. This vibrant and refreshing salad combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a savory-sweet dressing that’s bursting with umami. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this salad offers a harmonious mix of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthy meal or impress guests with a beautiful and flavorful dish, this Chinois Chicken Salad is the perfect choice.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips or fried rice noodles
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, shredded carrots, cilantro leaves, and mint leaves. Toss these ingredients together to create a colorful and fresh salad base.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth and emulsified dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. The dressing will add a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors to the salad.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, crispy wonton strips or fried rice noodles, and toasted almonds (if using) over the salad. These toppings will add a delightful crunch and additional flavor layers.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with extra cilantro or mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
Conclusion:
This Crisp and Flavorful Chinois Chicken Salad is a refreshing take on a classic dish, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors that make it a standout meal. The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory-sweet dressing creates a salad that’s both satisfying and delicious. Ideal for a light lunch or as an impressive side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and full of vibrant, bold flavors. Enjoy this salad as a healthy and tasty option that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.