Chopped Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
544 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Chopped Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
Description
This salad combines crisp greens and cabbages shredded finely to provide a fresh crunch, enriched by the sweet juiciness of mandarin oranges and the creaminess of edamame. Tender shredded chicken adds protein, while crispy wonton strips and sliced almonds provide a contrast in texture. The scallions lend a mild onion note.
The sesame dressing is a harmonious blend of neutral grapeseed oil and fragrant sesame oil with acidity from rice wine vinegar and saltiness from soy sauce. Brown sugar softens the tang, while minced ginger, garlic, and a touch of chili garlic sauce offer warmth and complexity. Tossing the salad in this dressing melds these diverse elements into a bright and satisfying dish.
Shredded chicken can be prepared by baking well-seasoned chicken breast or tenderloins until cooked through, then shredded using a stand mixer paddle or by hand. This salad works well as a light main course or a hearty side, accommodating warm or chilled serving preferences.
Using fresh ingredients and dressing just before serving maintains the crispness of the veggies and won ton strips. Substitutions like crispy sesame chicken offer alternative protein options.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 cups romaine lettuce shredded
- 2 cups Napa cabbage shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage shredded
- 2 large carrot julienned (about 1 cup) or pre shredded
- 1 cup edamame shelled
- 3 cups chicken shredded, approx. 1 1/2 lbs
- 3.5 oz. bag wonton strips or crunchy chow mein noodles
- 1 cup mandarin orange slices, drained
- 1 bunch scallion chopped (~1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup almonds sliced
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil or canola oil or any other neutral flavored oil
- 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ginger minced
- 1 tsp. garlic minced or pressed thru a garlic press
- 1 tsp. Chili garlic sauce
- 1/4 tsp. salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, edamame, shredded chicken and wonton noodles.
- Gently toss in or garnish the salad with mandarin oranges, scallions and slivered almonds.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and toss the salad with the dressing. Serve. (That's it!?)
- Serve. (That's it!?) ENJOY!
Notes
- For shredded chicken, season chicken breast or tenderloins and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until 165°F internally, then shred by hand or with a stand mixer paddle attachment.
- Keep the wonton strips or crunchy noodles separate until just before serving to preserve their crisp texture.
- Fresh ingredients and freshly prepared dressing ensure the best texture and flavor in the salad.
- For alternative protein, use crispy sesame chicken instead of shredded chicken if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 544 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 544kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 114mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 757mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 564mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 6007IU | 120% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 128mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.