Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4-6 · Technique: Tossing · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.Quick Answer
This vibrant Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a festive, healthy dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.If you're anything like me, December in New York City is a whirlwind of holiday parties, glitzy gatherings, and cozy dinners at home-lots of them! This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is my go-to dish when I want to feel festive yet light and healthy. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it offers a delightful contrast to the heavier fare of the season. Let me take you on a culinary journey through this refreshing dish that's perfect for holiday celebrations, casual gatherings, or even as a make-ahead meal for a busy week.
A Festive Salad for Any Occasion
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and refreshing, this salad provides a healthy alternative amidst heavy holiday meals.
- Quick and easy to assemble, perfect for festive gatherings or busy weeknights.
- Vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a delightful centerpiece for any table.
- Versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit dietary preferences.
- Great as a make-ahead meal, saving you time during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
To create this salad, you'll need:
For the salad:
- 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
- 4 cups of chopped Napa cabbage
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 cup of chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup of sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved
- ½ cup of sliced green onions
- ½ cup of chopped cilantro (optional, but I highly recommend it)
- 1 cup of crispy chow mein noodles (adds that lovely crunch)
For the dressing:
- ½ cup of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium for better control of saltiness)
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for some warmth (adjust to your taste)
How to Make Asian Chicken Crunch Salad (Step-by-Step)
Let me take you through the steps to create this vibrant salad.
Step 1: Prepare the dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well-blended-the aroma of the sesame oil is simply intoxicating!
Step 2: Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, green onions, and cilantro. Toss everything gently to mix. I find using my hands really helps incorporate all the ingredients and makes it feel like I'm making something special.
Step 3: Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, tossing gently until all components are evenly coated. The colors are so vibrant, it's truly a feast for the eyes.
Step 4: Add crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles on top for a delightful crunch that reminds me of the festive energy buzzing around the city streets during the holiday season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using dry chicken: Always opt for moist, shredded chicken. Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that keeps things flavorful.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allow the salad to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adding noodles too early: Wait until just before serving to add the chow mein noodles. If added too soon, they'll go soggy.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
- If you're prepping this for a holiday gathering, consider making the dressing a day in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge; it only gets better!
- This salad can be customized - swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different flavor profile!
Variations:
- Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like sliced cucumbers or radishes.
- Substitute crispy wonton strips for chow mein noodles for a different crunch.
How to Serve:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish.
- Pair it with grilled meats for a colorful side salad.
- Offer it as a pre-meal appetizer in small cups.
- Top with extra herbs or a wedge of lime for garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing a day in advance and store in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Generally not recommended as the salad is best enjoyed cold.
- Freezing: Not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients and texture of the salad.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I realized how versatile salad can truly be; it can shine brightly even among the more decadent holiday dishes. Plus, taking the time to whisk your dressing properly can elevate even the simplest salad ingredients. Happy cooking!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 20g protein · 15g carbs · 15g fat
Recipe by:
Vibrant Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles on top.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chicken for the salad?
Yes, you can use grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even shredded chicken breast. Just ensure the chicken is moist for the best flavor and texture.
2. Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use maple syrup in the dressing for a vegan option.
3. How long can I store the salad?
You can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the crispy noodles separate until you're ready to serve.
4. Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar. It allows the flavors to develop even more!
5. What can I add for extra crunch besides chow mein noodles?
You can add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or even crushed pea pods for an additional layer of crunch in the salad.
