If you’re craving a salad with a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors, this Ultimate Chinese Chicken Salad is your go-to dish. It’s a refreshing mix of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Dive in and explore the crunchy variations that make this recipe a standout!
Steps
- Begin by mixing the dressing ingredients: light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grapeseed oil, sugar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients: finely shredded Chinese cabbage and red cabbage, julienned carrot, shredded chicken, and sliced shallots. Add half of the crunchy noodles to this mixture.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Divide the salad into serving bowls, topping each with the remaining crunchy noodles and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups Chinese cabbage (Napa Cabbage), finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrot, finely julienned
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shallots/scallions, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 1/2 to 1 cup crunchy noodles
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1236 cal | Carbohydrates: 51.9 g | Protein: 88.2 g | Fat: 76.8 g | Saturated Fat: 11.4 g | Cholesterol: 198 mg | Sodium: N/A | Potassium: N/A | Fiber: 10.2 g | Sugar: 9.6 g
FAQ
- Is Chinese Chicken Salad an authentic Chinese dish?
- No, Chinese Chicken Salad is not an authentic Chinese dish. It is considered a “faux” Asian salad, meaning it draws inspiration from Asian flavors but is not traditionally Chinese.
- What makes the Asian Dressing special in this salad?
- The Asian Dressing is special because it’s based on a recipe by David Chang of Momofuku and incorporates ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. It can be adapted with a simpler version that includes soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, oil, and sugar, which can be stored for an extended period.
- How long can the salad ingredients be stored?
- The chopped vegetables for the salad can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The dressing can last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best to add the garlic and ginger just before serving.
- What type of noodles should I use for this salad?
- You can use any brand of crunchy fried noodles, whether thick or thin, to add texture to the salad. The recipe mentions using Chang’s Fried Noodles, which are affordable and commonly available in supermarkets.
- Can I prepare this salad in advance?
- Yes, this salad is great as a make-ahead meal. Keep the salad ingredients, dressing, and garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve. This ensures the salad remains fresh and flavorsome.
- Is there an alternative dressing for this salad?
- Yes, an alternative dressing option is the simple Asian Sesame Dressing, made with soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, oil, and sugar. This dressing can be kept for weeks, making it a convenient option.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients Separately: To maintain freshness, keep the salad ingredients, dressing, and crunchy noodles stored separately until you are ready to serve. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to remain vibrant.
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil: Opt for toasted sesame oil rather than regular sesame oil for a richer, more robust flavor. This oil is typically dark brown and adds a distinctive taste to the dressing.
- Allow Dressing to Meld: After combining the dressing ingredients, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors, particularly the garlic and ginger, to fully develop and meld together.
- Adjust Cabbage Soften Time: If using a firmer cabbage variety, consider tossing it with the dressing and letting it sit for 10 minutes before adding the crunchy noodles. This will help soften the cabbage slightly, making it easier to eat.
Equipment
- Jar with Lid – For combining and shaking the dressing ingredients.
- Mandoline Slicer or Julienne Peeler – For finely shredding cabbage and julienning carrots.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To combine salad ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Grater or Microplane – For grating fresh ginger and mincing garlic.
- Chef’s Knife – For slicing and chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Cutting Board – For preparing vegetables and chicken.
