Zesty Asian Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting an Asian chopped chicken salad converts ordinary ingredients into a vibrant culinary experience that dances with bold flavors and textures.

Fresh ingredients merge in a colorful symphony that reflects culinary traditions from across eastern regions.

Crisp vegetables intermingle with tender protein, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and delights the palate.

Bright and zesty seasonings elevate this salad beyond a simple meal into a memorable dining adventure.

Light yet substantial, this recipe promises a quick and nutritious option for busy individuals seeking robust taste profiles.

Diverse ingredients come together seamlessly, delivering complex layers of crunch, softness, and aromatic sensations.

You’ll appreciate how simple techniques can produce an extraordinary meal that feels both familiar and excitingly different.

Pairing Ideas for Asian Chopped Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Complement the salad's Asian-inspired flavors with a chilled, slightly sweet Riesling that balances the soy and ginger notes while cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Green Tea: Enhance the meal's Asian profile by pairing with a refreshing green tea, which provides a light, earthy backdrop that matches the salad's complex flavor profile.
• Add Sparkling Water with Citrus: Cleanse the palate with a citrus-infused sparkling water, bringing a bright, zesty element that refreshes between bites and highlights the salad's vibrant ingredients.
• Enjoy with Jasmine Rice: Create a heartier meal by serving a small portion of warm jasmine rice alongside the salad, adding depth and providing a soft contrast to the crunchy vegetables.

Delicious Variations on Asian Chopped Chicken Salad

• Spicy Thai Chicken Crunch: Add sriracha sauce and red chili flakes to the dressing for a fiery kick. Replace almonds with crispy wonton strips for extra texture.
• Citrus Ginger Fusion: Incorporate orange zest and replace honey with mandarin juice. Add chopped cilantro and green onions for a bright, fresh flavor profile.
• Peanut Sesame Remix: Blend creamy peanut butter into the dressing for richness. Top with crushed roasted peanuts instead of almonds and include julienned cucumber for cool crispness.
• Herb Garden Chicken Salad: Mix fresh mint and basil leaves into the vegetable blend. Use a lighter rice wine vinegar and add a touch of lemongrass for subtle aromatic notes.

Why Asian Chopped Chicken Salad Is Crunchy, Savory, and Satisfying

• Burst of Fresh Flavors: Combines zesty ginger, sweet honey, and tangy rice vinegar for a mouthwatering Asian-inspired taste sensation that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepares in under 30 minutes with simple grilling and chopping techniques, making it perfect for busy families craving a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Explosion: Delivers a satisfying crunch from crisp cabbage, tender grilled chicken, and crunchy almonds that creates an exciting mix of textures in every single bite.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loads up on fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, providing a balanced meal that fuels your body with essential nutrients and keeps you feeling energized throughout the day.

Ingredients for Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with a Tangy Kick

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main component of the salad, best when thin and evenly cut for quick and uniform cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps to cook chicken smoothly and adds a light, healthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance chicken's natural taste.

• Purple Cabbage, Napa Cabbage, Savoy Cabbage: Crisp, colorful base that provides crunch and nutritional variety.
• Carrots: Adds sweet flavor and vibrant orange color to the salad.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbal notes to the dish.

• Almonds, Sesame Seeds: Provide nutty crunch and additional texture to the salad.
• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Key Asian-inspired flavor components for the dressing.
• Ginger: Adds sharp, warming spice and authentic Asian taste.
• Honey: Balances the dressing with natural sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes rich, distinctive nutty flavor to the dressing.

How to Toss a Fresh and Flavorful Asian Chicken Salad

Step 1: Warm Up The Grill

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Drizzle oil over chicken and season generously.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken

Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown.

Step 3: Chop Vegetables

• Purple cabbage
• Napa cabbage
• Savoy cabbage
• Carrots

Chop cabbage varieties and shred carrots into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Slice Chicken

Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. Cut into bite-sized chunks approximately 1-inch pieces. Add chicken to vegetable bowl.

Step 5: Create Zesty Dressing

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh ginger
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk until ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 6: Mix Salad

Pour dressing over chicken and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced almonds

Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Tips for Building a Crisp Asian Chopped Chicken Salad

• Grill Like a Pro: Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and juicy results.
• Slice with Precision: Let chicken rest after grilling to retain moisture, then cut against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
• Veggie Prep Perfection: Chop vegetables just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant colors, preventing wilting and sogginess.
• Dressing Dynamics: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors completely, and adjust seasoning to taste before final toss.
• Crunch Control: Add nuts and seeds right before serving to preserve their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming soft or soggy.

Best Ways to Store and Refresh Asian Chicken Salad

• Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container and keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the dressing from the salad to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Chicken Storage: Keep the chicken and vegetables separately to maintain their texture and prevent wilting. Place them in different sealed containers to maximize freshness.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it doesn't dry out. Add fresh vegetables or a splash of dressing to revive the salad's flavor and moisture.

Asian Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Asian chopped chicken salad brings crisp vegetables and tender chicken together in a zesty adventure. Fragrant sesame dressing and crunchy noodles create a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Salad Base:

• 2 cups (473 ml) purple cabbage, chopped
• 3 cups (709 ml) napa or savoy cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots

Salad Toppings:

• ¼ cup (59 ml) almonds, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for the chicken breasts.
2. Massage olive oil across the chicken, then generously season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
3. Grill the chicken breasts with precision, allowing 4-5 minutes of cooking time on each side until the meat is thoroughly cooked and develops a beautiful golden exterior.
4. While the chicken sizzles, transform the purple cabbage, napa cabbage, and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
5. Transfer the chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and crisp foundation for the salad.
6. Allow the grilled chicken to rest briefly, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
7. Slice the chicken into neat, one-inch pieces and gently nestle them among the prepared vegetables.
8. Create the dressing by whisking soy sauce, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, honey, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl until the ingredients form a harmonious blend.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then toss carefully to ensure every ingredient is beautifully coated.
10. Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced almonds, adding texture and nutty complexity.
11. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Chicken Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender protein base that absorbs marinade flavors perfectly.
• Vegetable Prep Tip: Slice cabbage and carrots uniformly to ensure consistent texture and even dressing distribution throughout the salad.
• Dressing Magic: Whisk ingredients vigorously to emulsify sesame oil and create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and umami flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg