Fresh and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad is loaded with vibrant flavors and textures. Great for a main dish salad that’s filling and satisfying!
I don’t know if this happens to you but I usually hit a rich food or dessert wall somewhere in the middle of the holidays. As much as I enjoy the flavor of those foods, towards New Year’s I begin to dread dessert.
This year (or technically last year now) we enjoyed Fully Loaded Chocolate Peppermint Oreo Brownies, which I’d normally freeze a portion of to save us downing an entire pan but never got around to it. Fluffy Gluten-Free Chocolate Mint Ice Box Cake, along with other chocolates and treats kept us well supplied and noshing all through the holiday break.
When planning for New Year’s Eve, I had asked my 13-year old son to take on making dessert as he loves to bake and is very creative. During our conversation about it I said to him ‘do you ever get totally burnt out on dessert and feel like you just don’t want to eat any more?’ He blinked, looked at me like I was part of a foreign species and succinctly replied ‘no’.
I have been dreaming about making this Chinese Chicken Salad for about 3 weeks now. Like daydreaming about an equatorial vacation spot in the middle of the snowy winter, everything about this salad has been calling to me. I love the bright, fresh flavors of the salad ingredients and the dressing. I love the variety of colors. I love the crunch of fresh ingredients. And that there’s no chocolate in it.
This is not a totally traditional Chinese Chicken Salad. My husband asked if I was going to put the canned mandarin orange segment in it (no). Nor are there any chow mein noodles. Instead I opted for fresh ingredient that give the burst of flavor and the crunch.
Soft Napa cabbage, red cabbage, cilantro, carrots and green onions together make the salad. Shredded chicken breast adds tasty protein. The recipe calls for making the shredded chicken via my own recipe (which was the most popular recipe on Boulder Locavore last year) which makes flavorful shredded chicken, without a fuss and a cool shredding method (no forks or fingers required). Unlike most shredded chicken, this version has real flavor and does not taste like stewed chicken.
The dressing is a combination of wonderful Asian flavors with sesame oil, chili oil for a light bit of heat, Tamari or soy sauce for some salt, fresh ginger and garlic. It’s tangy, salty, spicy and bright in flavor adding the finishing touch on the salad. Sliced almonds finish the presentation and give another crunch.
If you’ll be serving the salad in one sitting, dressing the salad with all of the dressing. If you will serve it over a few meals, dress individual portions of salad and store the rest in the refrigerator (the salad in a sealed container or covered with plastic wrap and the dressing in a sealed jar).
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Colleen Lanin says
That looks absolutely amazing! I THOROUGHLY enjoy a salad that’s not just some ingredients stuck on top of lettuce leaves. I like salads with something unique!
Toni Dash says
I’m totally with you Colleen, especially at this time of year. I keep buying tubs of lettuce and staring at them. This has those fresh flavors, great texture and fantastic flavors.
Catherine Sargent says
This looks so yummy and it would make a great lunch. I am going to make this for my girls day next weekend. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Diana Rambles says
This looks fantastic. I eat a salad everyday and need to mix it up with new recipes. Must pin this!
Tara says
Your salad looks and sounds absolutely delicious. I love all the fresh ingredients you are using.
Jeanine says
Wow this looks incredible. I’m not a huge salad person but I’m trying to remain open minded about them and try different ones when I can and this looks amazing and like a must try!
Marcie W. says
After so many heavy holiday meals, a salad seems like a welcomed change. This one looks loaded with deliciousness!
Kelly says
Now this looks like a salad I would like to eat. Not only does it look delicious, it has a lot of foods I love.
Amy Desrosiers says
This salad looks so fresh, and delish! I love the crunch factor it has, and the color combo!
Theresa says
I am really burnt out on desserts too. If I see another cookie any time soon, my tummy may revolt. This chicken salad looks so fresh and delicious. Something I need to detox from all that sugar I have consumed since October!
Toni Dash says
I feel exactly the same way! I feel like there is a tiny relief right now before Valentine’s Day and Easter (ug).
Lena B says
This by far is the coolest salad I’ve seen in a while. I find like 5 things I would want anytime of day
Sarah Bailey says
I love chicken salad but have never seen a version like this one. It looks so delicious!
Melissa says
That salad looks DELISH and so colorful and healthy! It definitely has all the makings of a wonderfully light and healthy meal. Thanks for sharing!
Reesa Lewandowski says
This looks so delicious! I love salads like this, it’s hearty and healthy!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
What a great way to dress-up the casual chicken dish!
I really like the Asian flare.
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
I am a huge salad fan so I am always looking for different variations. I love Chinese chicken salad. This sounds amazing right about now.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I LOVE Chinese Chicken Salad! I just bought all the fixings to make it today. I am so trying this version instead of mine!
Rosey says
This salad sounds great. You’re lucky that your 13-year-old bakes, how cool!
Kita Bryant says
I love almond slices in my salads. Love the crunchy texture it adds.
Beeb Ashcroft says
Ohhh I love these kinds of salads! Great ingredients!
Amanda Love says
This looks so fresh and packed with amazing flavors! I wouldn’t miss trying this recipe out. It’s the perfect dish to have during lunch and I cannot wait to make it.
Our Family World says
Different from my usual which is good. I like the ingredients and the overall look. This might go well with another Chinese-themed main dish!
Brianne says
I would eat this every single day if I could! So trying this one!