Description
Easy Healthy Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing blends crunchy almonds, sesame seeds, fresh greens, tender chicken, and sweet mandarin oranges. Tossed in a zesty ginger-sesame dressing, this salad offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors for a light, nutritious meal perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 12 ounces coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 2 cups leaf lettuce, romaine or any leafy green
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken, rotisserie or poached
- ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained
- ⅓ cup chow mein noodles
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 ½ inch knob ginger, grated
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Toast almonds and sesame seeds for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a large bowl, add coleslaw mix, lettuce, cilantro, green onion, and chicken.
- Add cooled almonds and sesame seeds to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients with grated garlic and ginger.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Top with mandarin oranges and chow mein noodles, serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute rotisserie chicken with grilled or poached chicken breast for leaner protein. Use Napa cabbage if coleslaw mix is unavailable. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days. For crunch, add toasted cashews instead of almonds. Keep chow mein noodles separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Toast nuts carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toasting, No-cook mixing
- Cuisine: Asian