Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese chicken salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants. It is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice among people of all ages. This salad is a combination of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Originating in the 1960s in the United States, Chinese chicken salad was created by chef Cecilia Chiang at her restaurant in San Francisco. The dish was inspired by her travels to China and her love for Chinese cuisine. The original recipe included shredded chicken, lettuce, and a mix of Chinese-style vegetables, topped with a sweet and sour dressing. Over the years, the dish has evolved, and different variations have emerged, but the core ingredients remain the same.
The key to a good Chinese chicken salad is the perfect balance of flavors. The dressing is what brings all the ingredients together and gives the dish its distinctive taste. It is usually a combination of sweet, salty, and sour flavors, with a hint of heat from chili or ginger. The most commonly used dressing is a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. However, some variations also include ingredients like peanut butter, honey, or hoisin sauce to add a unique flavor.
The vegetables used in a Chinese chicken salad are typically crisp and colorful, adding both texture and nutrition to the dish. Shredded or thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers are commonly included. Some variations also include ingredients like bean sprouts, snow peas, or water chestnuts. Cook the chicken and shred or thinly sliced, making it easier to incorporate into the salad.
One of the reasons why Chinese chicken salad has gained popularity is its versatility. Serve this as side dish or a main course or customize it to suit different dietary preferences. For vegetarians, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. If you are gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari.
Apart from its delicious taste, Chinese chicken salad also has several health benefits. It is a great source of protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables. The dressing, made from healthy ingredients like sesame oil and rice vinegar, also adds beneficial nutrients to the dish. Moreover, the salad is low in calories, making it a perfect option for those trying to maintain a healthy diet.
In recent years, Chinese chicken salad has become a popular menu item in many restaurants, with some offering it as a signature dish. It is also a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a nutritious meal option. With its delicious taste and health benefits, it is no wonder that this dish has become a household favorite.
In conclusion, Chinese chicken salad is a healthy dish that has a rich history and continues to evolve with time. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures makes it a popular choice among people worldwide. Looking for a refreshing salad or a satisfying meal, Chinese chicken salad is a go-to that never disappoints. So, the next time you are craving a tasty and nutritious dish, give this salad a try.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
SALAD
- 3 Cups Cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
- 1 Head Napa cabbage-6cups, chopped
- 2 Cups Romaine lettuce-chopped
- 1/2 Head Red cabbage-3 cups, shredded
- 1 Cup Carrots, matchstick or shredded
- 1 Cup Snow peas-julienned
- 1 Cup Mandarin oranges
- 1/3 Cup Cilantro-chopped
- 1/3 Cup Scallions-chopped
- 1/2 Cup Craisins
- 2/3 Cup Sliced almonds
- 2 Tbsp Sesame seeds
- 1/2 Cup Edamame-shelled
- 1 Cup Wonton strips
DRESSING
- 1/3 Cup Rice vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sweet chili sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
Instructions
- Add all dressing ingredients to a jar and shake until well blended. Or use your favorite bottled Asian dressing. Remove 3 tablespoons to marinate the chicken. Store the rest of the dressing in the fridge until ready to use. Toss the chicken to coat.
- Put all salad ingredients in a large bowl except wonton strips. Toss desired amount of dressing with salad to coat. Add wonton strips and serve.