Chinese-Style Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Chinese-Style Chicken Salad featuring a crunchy mix of Napa cabbage, romaine, red bell pepper, and shredded chicken, all tossed in a flavorful sesame ginger dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3½ tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/3 cup peanut or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1½-inch square piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
Salad
- 4 cups chopped Napa cabbage
- 4 cups chopped romaine (or substitute more Napa cabbage)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
- ½ cup grated carrots (from about 2 carrots)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup salted cashews or peanuts
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, peanut or vegetable oil, garlic, and fresh ginger. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified, creating a flavorful sesame ginger dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Napa cabbage, chopped romaine, thinly sliced red bell pepper, scallions, grated carrots, chopped fresh cilantro, salted cashews or peanuts, and shredded chicken. Add the dressing to the salad gradually, tossing continuously to ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the best freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Fresh ginger adds a bright and spicy flavor to the dressing; peeling it with the edge of a spoon helps preserve its juices.
- You can substitute romaine with additional Napa cabbage if desired for a different texture.
- Use salted nuts for added flavor, or opt for unsalted and season accordingly for sodium control.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain crispness but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day with dressing stored separately.
