Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for those busy spring days, you’ve come to the right place! This Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. With its crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, and a zingy ginger dressing, this salad is an easy way to enjoy wholesome flavors. It’s great for lunch at work, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week!

What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it comes together. You can have it on your table in just 15 minutes! It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel good while keeping things light and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this salad is perfect for a last-minute meal.
• Flavorful Twist: The ginger dressing adds a refreshing kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with colorful ingredients, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Versatile: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it fits any occasion.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and keep the dressing separate for easy lunches all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious salad. You likely have many of these in your pantry already!

For the Salad

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 12 ounces coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
• 2 cups leaf lettuce, romaine or any leafy green
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 green onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken, rotisserie or poached
• 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/3 cup chow mein noodles

For the Ginger Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated (see notes)
• 1 1/2 inch knob ginger grated (see notes)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Variations

One of the best things about this Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun variations to keep things interesting:

• Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some diced bell peppers or radishes for extra texture.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or sriracha to the dressing if you like a little heat.
• Switch up the greens: Try using spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine for variety.

How to Make Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Seeds

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and sesame seeds and toast them dry for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure they don’t burn. This step enhances their flavor and gives your salad that delightful crunch!

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, lettuce, cilantro, green onion, and chopped chicken. Toss everything together until well mixed. Adding these fresh ingredients creates layers of flavor and texture in your salad.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients. Grate the garlic and ginger into this bowl using a Microplane or grater—this really brings out their natural flavors! Whisk everything together until smooth and drizzle it over your salad.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Top your vibrant salad with mandarin oranges and chow mein noodles right before serving. If you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it. A quick shake will bring everything back together beautifully!

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing! It’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

Creating a delicious Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is easy, but these pro tips will help you elevate your dish to the next level!

• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh veggies not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant color to your salad. This keeps it visually appealing and nutritious.
• Toast Your Nuts and Seeds: Toasting almonds and sesame seeds enhances their natural flavors and adds a delightful crunch. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn!
• Make Ahead: For meal prep, chop your veggies and cook the chicken in advance. This way, you can quickly toss everything together when you’re ready for lunch or dinner.
• Customize Your Chicken: If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier dressing, feel free to adjust the honey or red pepper flakes according to your taste. Personalizing the dressing can make this salad feel even more special!

How to Serve Asian Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

Serving your Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary! Here are some ideas to present this vibrant dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
• Cilantro Sprigs: Add a few fresh cilantro sprigs on top for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side; a squeeze of lime juice right before eating can brighten up all the flavors!

Side Dishes

• Steamed Edamame: These young soybeans are not only nutritious but also provide a satisfying bite and complement the salad’s flavors.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar is refreshing and pairs nicely with the savory notes of the chicken salad.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes a comforting addition that balances out the cold salad beautifully.
• Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with shrimp or veggies are light, fun, and make for an excellent finger food alongside your main dish.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll impress your family or friends during lunch or dinner. Enjoy every crunchy bite of your Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep everything fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the ginger dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
• Leftover salad can be enjoyed for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze this salad as the textures will change after thawing, especially for ingredients like lettuce and mandarin oranges.
• Instead, consider freezing cooked chicken separately if you want to save time later.

Reheating

• If you have leftover chicken that needs reheating, warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop before adding it back to your salad.
• Avoid reheating the entire salad as it’s best served cold and fresh.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

What makes this Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing special?

The combination of crunchy vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, and a zesty ginger dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make this salad truly enjoyable.

How can I make the ginger dressing spicier?

If you prefer a kick, add more red pepper flakes or include a dash of chili oil to your ginger dressing for an extra layer of heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger Dressing! It’s vibrant, nutritious, and packed with flavors that will brighten your day. Whether you’re making it for a lunch on-the-go or a light dinner at home, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!