Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's anything but boring! This Kickin' Asian Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible dish that will transport your senses straight to the bustling street markets of Asia. Packed with fresh ingredients, protein-rich chicken, and a zesty sesame dressing, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, nutritious meal that looks like it was prepared by a professional chef but can be whipped up in just 35 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to cool, then shred using two forks.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Shred carrots and red cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Thinly slice green onions.
- Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, and red cabbage. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add dressing: Drizzle sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted almonds and sliced green onions over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to serving plates and enjoy the fresh, crisp salad at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Always ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking.
- Veggie Prep Hack: To keep your greens crisp, wash and thoroughly dry them before assembling the salad. A salad spinner works wonders for this!
- Toasting Almonds: Watch your almonds closely when toasting – they can burn quickly. Keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat the moment they turn golden brown.
- Dressing Distribution: For even flavor, drizzle the sesame dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients without crushing the delicate greens.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra protein like edamame or swap almonds for cashews for a personal twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 289kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 41mg
