Get ready to elevate your salad game with my Chinese Chicken Salad recipe! Bursting with fresh flavors and tossed in a homemade dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of crunchy veggies and savory chicken. Say goodbye to bland salads and hello to a taste sensation that’ll leave you craving more!
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful salad dressing that’s both healthy and delicious, my homemade Chinese Chicken Salad dressing is the answer! Inspired by the Rascals teriyaki restaurant, I created this dressing to bring the perfect balance of zesty and sweet flavors to your salad bowl!
Made with real, wholesome ingredients and customizable to your taste preferences, it’s the ideal choice for anyone seeking a simple, additive-free dressing bursting with fresh flavor! Whip up a batch today using the same easy method as my Miso Salad Dressing, and top it with tender, shredded chicken prepared using the same method found in my Shredded Chicken recipe. Elevate your salad game to new heights with this irresistible combination!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar – Rice Vinegar distilled from rice used in Asian cuisine. Can sub with distilled white vinegar.
- 2 tbsp Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil – 100% Toasted Sesame Oil that should have a dark brown color.
- 1/2 tbsp Vegetable Oil – or your preferred neutral oil.
- 1/4 tsp Salt – sea salt preferred.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper – ground.
- 4-5 Iceberg Lettuce Leaves– washed and chopped.
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Chicken – optional boiled boneless and skinless chicken thigh.
Additional Toppings
Common add-ins include Sliced Almonds, Crushed Macadamia Nuts, Sliced Carrots, Mandarin Oranges, Wonton Strips, Green Onions, and Fresh Cilantro. These toppings add a delightful array of textures and flavors to your salad, enhancing its overall appeal and taste.
🍗 Chicken Note
Note that you can also opt for Chicken Breast or substitute with rotisserie chicken.
Directions
Step 1 In a bowl, combine sweetener, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper, whisk well, and place in a dressing container.
💡 Mixing Pro Tip
To ensure a well-blended and flavorful dressing, Warm Up the Vinegar for 10-15 Seconds before mixing. This helps dissolve the sweetener and salt more effectively, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.
Step 2 If adding optional shredded chicken, place chicken in boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Use a fork or knife to pull chicken.
🌀 Shredding Pro Tip
For quicker and more efficient shredding, consider using a Hand Mixer instead of manually shredding the chicken.
Step 3 Wash and cut iceberg lettuce, place in a bowl, top with shredded chicken and additional salad toppings. Shake or mix dressing and pour before serving.
🥬 Crispy Lettuce Pro Tip
For extra crispy lettuce, Soak the cut leaves in a bowl of Cold Water for 30-45 Minutes before serving. Ensure to dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
🥗 Serving Notes
For best results, Toss the salad with the dressing Just Before Serving. Be mindful to dress only the portion of the salad you plan to eat immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce. Thoroughly mix the dressing before drizzling as settling will occur.
Recipe Variation
Instead of the chicken salad dressing, use my Japanese-Style Rice Vinaigrette dressing, which will eliminate the nutty flavor of the sesame oil and provide a more neutral oil base.
Pairing Recommendations
Elevate your meal by pairing this Chinese chicken salad with Teriyaki Chicken or Teriyaki Salmon Bowl. Their savory-sweet flavors complement the tangy dressing perfectly. Complete the meal with a bowl of Japanese Cream Corn Soup for added depth and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein, like tofu or shrimp?
While you can experiment with alternative proteins like tofu or shrimp, the recipe is specifically crafted for chicken, which offers a hearty and savory base that complements the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients.
Can I use pre-packaged salad greens instead of chopping my own lettuce?
Yes, you have the option to use pre-packaged salad greens if convenience is a priority. However, for the freshest and most vibrant salad experience, chopping your own lettuce is recommended.
Can I use a different type of vinegar if I don't have rice vinegar on hand?
While substitutions are possible, it's advisable to stick with rice vinegar if available. Rice vinegar contributes significantly to the characteristic flavor profile of the dressing, offering a delicate acidity and subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Storage Tips
To store leftover dressing, simply pour it into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. The dressing should remain fresh and flavorful for 4 to 6 weeks.
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Watch How To Make It
Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1/2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Salad
- 4-5 Leaves Iceberg Lettuce
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Chicken optional, can substitute with rotisserie chicken
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Whisk toasted sesame oil, sweetener, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper in a bowl.
- Prepare, wash, dry lettuce leaves as needed. Cut into 1/2 inch width bite sizes and place into a bowl.
- If making optional shredded chicken, boil chicken breast or thigh in boiling water for 10 minutes. Use a knife or fork to pull chicken.
- Add shredded chicken, additional toppings on salad and drizzle dressing on top. Note - make sure you vigorously shake/mix dressing prior to serving as settling will occur.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
