Sweet oranges, roasted chicken and toasted almonds along with crispy cucumbers, lettuce and cabbage are tossed in a ginger sesame dressing. The combination of flavors and textures was a treat and even my boys devoured this salad.
Admittedly, their favorite part was the oranges, but who could blame them?
We do love the tang of Asian Salad Dressing with a hint of sesame and the sweetness of honey is perfect for topping salads, tossing with cabbage for a quick slaw, or for dipping chicken fingers. Whisk this dressing together now and enjoy it all week long!
original recipe adapted from and with thanks to Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice food blog (no longer active)
Chinese Chicken Salad with Ginger Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- SALAD Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cups romaine lettuce or other crisp lettuce, thinly sliced or choppped
- 6 cups Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cups cooked chicken chopped or very thinly sliced
- 1 medium cucumber peeled and cut into thin bite size pieces
- 2 navel oranges peeled and cut into bite size pieces or sectioned like this
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
- DRESSING Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced or grated on a microplane
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons hot chili sauce I used Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 scant tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons light flavored olive oil
Instructions
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients and then set aside. Heat an empty large frying pan over medium low heat and toast the sesame seeds. Remove to a separate dish and set aside when lightly browned. Toast the almonds next, tossing them frequently until they are browned as well.
- Add just a drizzle of oil to the pan and saute the cabbage just a few minutes, until it is barely wilted and still crisp. It will turn a brighter green color. Remove to a large bowl and toss with tongs to cool it a bit. (Otherwise, it will continue to cook a bit more in the bowl.) In a separate bowl, toss the chopped chicken with a small amount of dressing to coat it lightly.
- Add the chicken to the bowl with the cabbage, along with the lettuce, cucumber and oranges. Drizzle with dressing and then toss well to coat everything. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and almonds just before serving.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
A classic combination! I love oranges with roasted chicken and lettuce. I bet the dressing is great too. Have a lovely weekend!
Becki's Whole Life says
Sounds great. I have been trying to do more dinner type salads that have some protein. This is right up my alley and I think my kids would love it too – esp. the mandarin oranges!
Jenn says
Gorgeous salad, Mary! Looks better than any I've seen in a restaurant!
Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover says
Even I am a Chinese, but I have never eaten this salad before , I need to learn from you here, hehehe. Nice looking salad.
The Slow Roasted Italian says
This really sounds tempting! I love all the flavors. Delivery?
Gloria says
look really delicious Mary!
Big Dude says
This looks very good Mary, especially with the oranges and nuts in it.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
Super, super!! lovely dressing, lovely salad
Mary x
Marjie says
When I don't have fresh oranges handy, I use canned mandarin oranges with chicken and in salads. It's a great combination.
Joanne says
My favorite part would have been the dressing! I love all things ginger and sesame!
Chris says
I friggin' love ginger dressing, it just dances on my taste buds.