The Asian Chicken Salad recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines elements of traditional Asian cuisine with the fresh, crisp texture of a salad. This dish is known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients and Preparation:
The base of the Asian Chicken Salad is a mixture of crunchy lettuce varieties, such as romaine and iceberg, offering a fresh and crisp texture. To this, thinly sliced red cabbage and shredded carrots are added for their vibrant colors and additional crunch. These vegetables provide a nutrient-rich foundation and a visually appealing backdrop for the other ingredients.
The star of the salad is the chicken, typically grilled or poached, and then thinly sliced or shredded. The chicken is often marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking, infusing it with a depth of flavor that complements the other salad components.
For added texture and a nutty flavor, the salad includes toppings like chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and toasted almonds or sesame seeds. These elements contribute to the distinct Asian character of the dish.
Dressing:
The dressing is what truly sets this salad apart. A combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of honey or sugar creates a dressing that is both tangy and slightly sweet. A bit of grated ginger and minced garlic can be added to enhance the flavors. This dressing is drizzled over the salad, coating each ingredient and tying the dish together.
Assembly and Serving:
To assemble the salad, the lettuce, cabbage, and carrots are tossed together in a large bowl. The cooked chicken is then added, along with the green onions, cilantro, and toasted nuts or seeds. Right before serving, the dressing is poured over the salad and everything is gently tossed to ensure an even coating.
Variations and Tips:
This Asian Chicken Salad is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. For a spicy kick, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes can be added. For a more substantial meal, ingredients like cooked noodles or quinoa can be included. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, tofu can replace the chicken.
The Asian Chicken Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning dish. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful choice for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a standout dish at any gathering.
Asian Chicken Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Asian Chicken Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Additional Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients For Asian Chicken Salad Recipes
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil (Optional)
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 head iceberg lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
4 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded
3 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
1 (8 ounce) package dried rice noodles
Instructions: Asian Chicken Salad Recipes
Step 1: Make the dressing: Shake oil, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce together in a small lidded container. Set aside until salad is ready.
Step 2: Make the salad: Combine lettuce, chicken, green onions, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Cover and chill for 10 minutes.
Step 3: While the salad is chilling, heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Break rice noodles into pieces and fry in the hot skillet in small batches until they begin to puff up, 15 to 25 seconds. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 4: Remove salad from the refrigerator. Portion into salad bowls, top with fried rice noodles, and drizzle dressing over top.
I want to respond to Ellen Etc. about frying the noodles. I recogized this as being very impractical and followed the directions on the package of noodles that I bought which is to boil them. I have also found that brown rice noodles do not work well because they tend to stick together and not mix well in the salad. We like this salad so well that my husband and I have it about twice a month. It is our favorite go to meal. I have noticed that many of the pictures have mandarin oranges. They are not in the ingredient list but I will try them next time I make the salad. I also add a package of shredded carrots.
When your husband looks at the plate askance and then gobbles the whole thing up - it's a winner. Wonderful variation.
Great salad but the puffed noodles were a no-go. They did puff with a little more oil but my kids said they tasted like fish bones and I agree. I will use peanuts and/or chow mein next time. I did make double dressing. I also added a daikon radish and a little carrot. Good easy salad overall.
I loved it. I did change it up using spinach and Napa cabbage I also added bean sprouts lots of shredded carrots and daikon radish toasted crushed peanuts. I had seen that others had a problem with the rice noodles I used my deep fryer and it was so easy. I also added some Thai chili peppers to both the marinade and dressing that would only work if you like heat. Thanks
The dressing really made the salad, it put it over the top
Hello! I typically follow recipes to a tee. The dressing is what makes or breaks it! Didn't have an issue with the rice noodles. However, I added about two tablespoons of peanut butter, a little ground pepper and minced garlic to the dressing and it is amazing! (assuming you like peanuts). :). I would post a pic but I already ate it. Thanks for sharing!
Great recipe, but I'm giving it only four stars for the needless complications. There's no need to cook and shred breasts; use a rotisserie chicken, which has more flavor anyway (cut back on the oil a bit if you like, to account for the extra fat in the chicken.) Rice noodles are a pain for home use; I used ramen noodles, which are tasty, easy, and heaven knows, cheap! I also added a can of mandarin oranges (drained) and about a quarter cup of shredded carrot, which aren't mentioned, but both of which are seen in your photo.
I made this, except for the chicken I used grilled ground beef patties, I also substituted whole wheat buns for the lettuce. For the sauce, instead of making it as is, I just used mayonnaise. And for the rice noodles, I substituted with a slice of white american cheese. This was absolutely fabulous!!!!
Excellent salad. Cooking the noodles is a pain, but it is well worth it in the end. Everyone asks for this receipe. Double or triple the dressing recipe and leave it on the side for people to add how much they prefer. I also keep a separate bowl of extra cooked noodles to top off leftovers.
✅What are the key ingredients in an Asian Chicken Salad?
The key ingredients for an Asian Chicken Salad typically include grilled or shredded chicken, mixed greens or cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It's often garnished with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. The salad is dressed in a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing, usually made with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
✅What makes the Asian Chicken Salad dressing unique?
The uniqueness of the Asian Chicken Salad dressing lies in its combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ingredients like soy sauce, honey or sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sometimes peanut butter or hoisin sauce, create a complex and distinctive taste. Fresh ginger and garlic add an aromatic depth, making the dressing an integral part of the salad's appeal.
✅How can you customize the Asian Chicken Salad to suit different dietary needs?
To customize the Asian Chicken Salad for different diets, you can make various substitutions. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can be used for those avoiding gluten. The salad is inherently customizable and can easily be adapted to meet a variety of dietary preferences.
✅What nutritional benefits does the Asian Chicken Salad offer?
The Asian Chicken Salad is nutritionally beneficial as it is packed with lean protein from the chicken, a variety of vegetables providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and healthy fats from ingredients like sesame oil or nuts. This combination makes for a balanced meal that supports overall health.
✅Is the Asian Chicken Salad suitable for weight loss or diet plans?
Yes, the Asian Chicken Salad can be suitable for weight loss or diet plans. It's high in protein and fiber, which can aid in feeling full and satisfied. By controlling the amount of dressing and monitoring the use of high-calorie ingredients like nuts, this salad can be a part of a healthy, calorie-controlled diet.
✅How can you prepare the chicken for the Asian Chicken Salad?
The chicken for the Asian Chicken Salad can be prepared by grilling, baking, or poaching. For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic before cooking. Shredded rotisserie chicken is also a convenient and time-saving option.
✅What are some common variations or additions to the Asian Chicken Salad?
Common variations or additions to the Asian Chicken Salad include adding mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, or avocado. Some versions also include ingredients like mango or pineapple for a tropical twist, or red pepper flakes or chili sauce for extra heat.
✅Can the Asian Chicken Salad be made in advance, and how should it be stored?
The Asian Chicken Salad can be partially made in advance. Prepare and store the cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the greens from wilting. The dressing should be added at the last minute to keep the salad crisp.
