Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Chopped Chicken Salad featuring grilled chicken breast, crisp napa and red cabbage, fresh green onions, and cucumber, tossed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette and topped with sweet mandarin oranges and crunchy chow mein noodles for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 head napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 english cucumber, cut into matchsticks
Toppings
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep and oil chicken: Pre-heat grill to high heat. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four cutlets. Lightly oil each chicken cutlet to prevent sticking and encourage even grilling.
- Grill chicken: Place the chicken cutlets over direct high heat and grill for 4 minutes. Flip and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is cooked through. Remove from grill, cover and rest for 3-5 minutes to retain juices. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into strips to be added to the salad.
- Make sesame vinaigrette: While the chicken cooks, whisk together rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl or jar until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced napa cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, and cucumber. Pour the sesame vinaigrette over and toss thoroughly to coat all vegetables.
- Serve: Divide the dressed salad evenly among four serving dishes. Top each with mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles, and sliced grilled chicken. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use high-quality fresh chicken breasts for best flavor and texture.
- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth that complements the tangy dressing.
- Mandarin oranges add natural sweetness balancing the savory elements.
- Chow mein noodles can be substituted with crispy wonton strips or toasted nuts for varied crunch.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure chow mein noodles are gluten-free or omit them.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
