Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

This Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing is the perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal this spring! Packed with crunchy cabbage, sliced almonds, and sweet mandarin oranges, this salad comes together quickly. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a solo lunch, its vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients make it an excellent option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ginger dressing, crunchy almonds, and juicy mandarin oranges creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a side dish at your next gathering.
• Healthy and Satisfying: This salad is loaded with nutrients, providing you with energy without feeling heavy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Easily store the components separately for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easy and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small skillet
• Whisk
• Grater or Microplane

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients together without spilling.
• Small skillet: Ideal for toasting nuts and seeds evenly for enhanced flavor.
• Whisk: Ensures that your dressing ingredients are well combined for a smooth finish.
• Grater or Microplane: Perfect for grating garlic and ginger quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 12 ounces coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
• 2 cups leaf lettuce, romaine or any leafy green
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 green onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken, rotisserie or poached
• 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/3 cup chow mein noodles

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated (see notes)
• 1 1/2 inch knob ginger grated (see notes)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

How to Make Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and sesame seeds. Toast them dry for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once golden brown, set aside to cool.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, leafy greens, cilantro, green onion, and chopped chicken. Toss to mix everything evenly. After that, add the cooled almonds and sesame seeds into the bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, add all dressing ingredients. Grate the garlic and ginger using a Microplane or grater directly into the bowl. Whisk well until combined. Drizzle this flavorful dressing over your salad.

Step 4: Top and Serve

Finally, add mandarin oranges on top of the salad along with chow mein noodles. Serve immediately for best freshness! If you’re meal prepping, keep the salad components separate from the dressing until it’s time to eat. Remember that the dressing may separate; just give it a shake or stir before use.

How to Serve Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

This Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

On a Bed of Greens

• Use a variety of leafy greens like spinach, kale, or arugula for extra nutrients.

As a Wrap

• Spoon the salad into whole wheat wraps or lettuce leaves for a healthy, low-carb option.

With Extra Toppings

• Add sliced avocado or crispy wontons for extra flavor and texture.

Chilled as a Picnic Dish

• Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a refreshing picnic option.

Paired with Rice

• Serve it alongside jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

How to Perfect Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

To elevate your Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors and textures of your salad.
• Customize Your Protein: Feel free to replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for variety.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
• Adjust Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add more rice vinegar or olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
• Experiment with Nuts: Substitute almonds with cashews or peanuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

Pairing sides with your Asian Chicken Salad can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad complements the ginger dressing beautifully.
3. Fried Rice: Flavored fried rice can be an excellent hearty side that pairs well with the salad.
4. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a light and crunchy contrast.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and enhances the Asian theme of your meal.
6. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a simple yet satisfying side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Using stale nuts: Old nuts can ruin the flavor and texture of your salad. Always use fresh, toasted almonds for the best taste.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overpower the other ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Neglecting ingredient prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly can affect both appearance and texture. Make sure to chop everything uniformly for a better bite.
• Skipping the chilling step: Serving this salad warm can diminish its refreshing quality. Chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring meal prep tips: If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in vegetables and dressing.
• If you must freeze, omit fresh ingredients like lettuce and cilantro.

Reheating Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing?

Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is a light and refreshing dish featuring shredded cabbage, chicken, nuts, and a zesty ginger dressing.

How can I customize my Asian Chicken Salad?

You can add or substitute ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or even fruit like mango for added sweetness and crunch.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The ginger dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

What are some good sides with this salad?

Pair this salad with steamed rice or spring rolls for a complete meal that’s full of flavor!

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish at dinner, this salad will delight your taste buds! Try it today and enjoy a fresh twist on classic flavors.