Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Dish with Sesame Seeds and Noodles

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Chinese Chicken Salad is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s. It was inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine, but has been adapted to suit American tastes. The salad typically features a mix of vegetables, chicken, and a tangy dressing made with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

Ingredients

3.5 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and diced
1 head lettuce, torn into small pieces
4 green onions, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced thin
0.5 cup walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
6 oz (170 g) chinese noodles, heated briefly to crisp
6 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
4 tbsp white sugar
1 tsp salt
0.5 cup peanut oil

How to prepare

1. In a bowl, combine chicken, lettuce, green onion, celery, nuts, seeds, and noodles. Toss well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, and oil to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad.

Variations

Try adding mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, or shredded cabbage to the salad for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the salad.

- Toasting the sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor to the dish.

- For extra crunch, try adding some crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese Chicken Salad as a light lunch or dinner option, or as a side dish at a potluck or barbecue.

Cooking Techniques

To cook the chicken, you can grill, bake, or poach it before dicing and adding it to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have seasoned rice vinegar, you can use regular rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and toss them together with the dressing just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chinese Chicken Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Chinese Chicken Salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Chinese Chicken Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 25 grams per serving.

Fats

- This salad is also a source of healthy fats, with around 15 grams per serving.

Proteins

- With 20 grams of protein per serving, Chinese Chicken Salad is a satisfying and filling meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and soy, so be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Chinese Chicken Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Chicken Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With a mix of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret who had just returned from a trip to China. She was raving about this delicious salad she had tried while she was there and insisted on making it for me.

As I watched her chop the vegetables and mix the dressing, I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas that filled her kitchen. The combination of crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and tangy dressing was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Margaret graciously shared the recipe with me, explaining each step in detail and offering tips for perfecting the flavors. I scribbled down notes in my tattered old recipe book, eager to recreate the magic of that first bite. Little did I know that this simple salad would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made countless variations of Chinese Chicken Salad, each one as delicious as the last. I have added my own touch to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings to suit my tastes. But no matter how many times I make it, the flavors of this salad always transport me back to that sunny day in Margaret's kitchen.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a light and refreshing side dish, or as a hearty main course. I have brought it to countless potlucks and gatherings, where it never fails to impress. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty dressing is a crowd-pleaser every time.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Chinese Chicken Salad to the next generation. My grandchildren now request it whenever they come to visit, eager to learn the secrets of this beloved dish. I take great joy in teaching them how to prepare it, watching as they carefully chop and mix, just as I did so many years ago.

As I stand in my kitchen now, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the memories it has given me. From the first time I saw it being made by Margaret, to the countless times I have made it myself, Chinese Chicken Salad has been a constant source of joy in my life.

And as I take a bite of the salad, savoring the crisp vegetables and tender chicken, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us to our past and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the journey that this recipe has taken me on, and I look forward to many more years of enjoying its delicious flavors with those I love.