Description
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish featuring tender cooked chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Tossed in a tangy natural dressing, it delivers a perfect balance of zest and sweetness for a healthy, quick, and delicious meal perfect for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups cabbage mix (green and purple), thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds or peanuts (lightly toasted)
Dressing (natural)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons grape juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional, for texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast until juicy and fully cooked by poaching, grilling, or roasting based on your preference. Allow to cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook and Chop the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy. Let cool and chop finely.
- Chop the Vegetables: Thinly slice or shred the cabbage mix, shred the carrots, chop the green onions, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Combine all vegetables in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, grape juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent if using, until well combined.
- Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked chicken, smoked turkey bacon, vegetable mixture, and chopped nuts to the bowl. Pour the dressing over all ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated and ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid making the salad soggy.
- Lightly toast almonds or peanuts to enhance crunch and flavor.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Prepare protein and vegetables ahead to assemble the salad quickly when needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chinese chicken salad, healthy salad, crunchy salad, smoked turkey bacon, tangy dressing, gluten free
