Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is the one you need to try if you’re craving a delicious, fresh, and easy-to-make meal! This vibrant dish perfectly mixes tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory dressing that brings everything together. This recipe is a favorite for someone who loves experimenting with flavors. It’s tasty, customizable, and ideal for family gatherings or a light dinner. Let’s dive into how to prepare Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
Ingredients For Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Prepare the Chicken
First, start cooking the chicken breast. You can boil or grill it until it is fully cooked. Once it is cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables
Finely shred the fresh cabbage and carrots. Slice the fresh green onions and set them aside. You want all the veggies in thin strips to match the salad’s texture.
Toast the fresh Almonds and Sesame Seeds
In a pan, lightly toast the sliced almonds and sesame seeds over medium heat. This adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger. Taste and adjust the seasoning with fresh salt and pepper. The dressing should be a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large, clean mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Toss them together.
Add the Dressing
Then pour the dressing over the fresh salad mixture and toss until evenly coated. Be sure not to overdress the salad, as the flavors should be subtle yet satisfying.
Top with Almonds and Sesame Seeds
Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad as a finishing touch. They add a satisfying crunch and bring a bit of extra flavor.
Final Touch
Serve Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe immediately after mixing. It’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the texture crunchy.
Serving And Enjoying Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Ladle the Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe into bowls to serve. The crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and nutty almonds make a satisfying meal.
Chef’s Tips To Elevate The Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Use Fresh Chicken
For the best attractive flavor and texture, cook your chicken fresh instead of pre-cooked. Grilled or poached chicken breast works well; it stays moist and tender when shredded.
Balance the Dressing
The dressing is key to a perfect Chinese chicken salad. Taste it before serving and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. You can also change the tanginess by adding more vinegar.
Shred the Vegetables
Shredding the cabbage and carrots finely ensures they blend well with the chicken and dressing, creating a balanced texture throughout the salad.
Toast the Almonds and Sesame Seeds
Lightly toasting the almonds and sesame seeds will enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to your salad. Toast them on low heat to avoid burning.
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like fresh cilantro or mint can brighten up the flavors of the salad. Add them correctly just before serving to keep them fresh and aromatic.
Use Napa Cabbage for Extra Crunch
If you can find it, use it instead of regular cabbage. Its softer, more delicate texture beautifully complements the other ingredients in the salad.
Customize the Spice
Add a dash of fresh chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing for a bit of heat. This adds a subtle spiciness that works well with the other flavors.
Make It Ahead
Here, you can prepare the Chicken salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. You can assemble the salad and add the dressing before serving to maintain the freshness of the veggies and the almonds’ crunchiness.
Experiment with Protein
While chicken is traditional, you can also use shrimp, tofu, or grilled beef as a protein alternative to change things up. Each option will bring a different flavor to the dish.
Serve It Cold
For the best experience, serve your Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe cold. Chill the salad and dressing before mixing to enhance the crispness of the ingredients.
These tips will help you perfect your Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish every time!
Nutrition Information For The Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Per Serving
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 4-5 grams
- Sugars: 8-10 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10-12 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-70 mg
- Sodium: 800-900 mg
- Potassium: 400-500 mg
- Vitamin A: 150-200% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 30-40% of DV
- Calcium: 4-6% of DV
- Iron: ~10-15% of DV
Note:
The nutritional values can vary based on the type and amount of oil used (sesame oil is slightly higher in calories) and the exact measurements of the ingredients. To make the salad lower in calories, use less oil or replace sugar with a sugar substitute. For a lighter dressing, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce or lighter sesame oil.
FAQs About Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
1. What is the best chicken for Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ans: Grilled or boiled chicken breast works best for this salad.
2. Can I make Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, but it’s best to add the dressing and crunchy toppings before serving.
3. Is the dressing spicy in Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ans: No, the dressing is tangy with a hint of sweetness, not spicy.
4. Can I make the Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Ans: Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
5. How long will leftovers last for Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ans: Leftovers in the fridge will last 1-2 days, but the salad is best eaten fresh.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Easy Ming’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that can quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Its crunchy texture and balanced dressing make it a healthy and absolutely satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether cooking for the family or looking for a quick lunch, this recipe will impress. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to savor each bite!