Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (300g) 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (300g)
• 4 cups (240g) shredded Napa cabbage 4 cups (240g) shredded Napa cabbage
• 1 cup (150g) shredded carrots 1 cup (150g) shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) thinly sliced red onion 1/2 cup (75g) thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 cup (30g) crispy wonton strips (optional) 1 cup (30g) crispy wonton strips (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, and mint leaves.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar and honey until well combined. Gradually whisk in the sesame oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
5. 5.
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until well coated.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss gently to distribute.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad in individual bowls or plates, topped with crispy wonton strips if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure tender and juicy chicken, marinate the breasts for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Rice vinegar — Look for unseasoned rice vinegar, as seasoned varieties may alter the taste of the dressing.
• Crispy wonton strips — If you prefer a gluten-free option or want to reduce the overall calorie content, omit the crispy wonton strips or replace them with toasted almonds or crushed rice crackers for added crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the dressing.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of grilling the chicken breasts.
• Customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts.
• Make the salad ahead of time by keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• To make the salad more filling, serve it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad as a light and refreshing main course for lunch or dinner. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful vegetables and sliced chicken on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through. Drizzle the dressing over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an eye-catching presentation.