Chopped Asian Salad
Try this Chopped Asian Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chopped Asian Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 8 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 1/2 cups chow mein crackers
- 4 cups cooked chicken i used 2 very large chicken breast, marinated them in teriyaki sauce and then grilled them
- sweet ginger chili lime dressing
- 1 tablespoon ginger chopped fine
- 1 tablespoon garlic chopped fine
- Carbohydrate 162.317351009399 g
- Cholesterol 569.6 mg
- Fat 129.741898555309 g
- Fiber 29.1925399163604 g
- Protein 176.081699010342 g
- Saturated Fat 28.9849052078206 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2307g)
- Sodium 3432.05830479199 mg
- Sugar 133.124811093039 g
- Trans Fat 11.5604550525423 g
- Calories 2545 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut up chicken into cubes. (Grilling is recommended, but rotisserie chicken works too.)
- Cut up all the vegetables.
- In a large mixing bowl, add coleslaw mix, diced carrots and celery, green onions, and cilantro. Top with chicken.
- Make the dressing: Mix all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Combine and shake well. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use (shake before using).
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Add chow mein noodles (crackers) and toss again.
- Serve immediately. If not serving immediately, add all ingredients except chow mein noodles and dressing to a large bowl and add those right before serving.
My Go-To Chopped Asian Salad: A Recipe for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Chopped Asian Salad has become a staple in our household, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a light lunch. What I love most about it is its versatility – you can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand, and the flavors are always a crowd-pleaser.
The secret to this salad lies in the vibrant, flavorful dressing. The combination of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and lime juice creates a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. A touch of chili sauce adds a pleasant kick, while the fresh cilantro and ginger bring a refreshing herbaceousness. I often experiment with the dressing, sometimes adding a bit of honey or sriracha for extra sweetness or heat, depending on my mood and what's in my pantry. The chicken is another key element. I usually marinate it in teriyaki sauce before grilling, giving it a beautiful char and a rich, umami flavor. But if I’m short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
The beauty of this salad is its make-ahead potential. You can prep all the vegetables and chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together with the dressing and chow mein noodles. This is a lifesaver on those busy evenings when you don't have much time to spend in the kitchen. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day – it tastes even better the day after!
Beyond the practical aspects, this salad is also incredibly satisfying. The crunchy chow mein noodles add a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. The colorful array of ingredients makes it visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to even the simplest of meals. Whether I'm serving it to friends or just enjoying it with my family, this salad never fails to impress. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated; it can be both delicious and convenient.
This salad has become more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's a reflection of my own journey as a busy woman, juggling work, family, and a desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time to nourish ourselves and those we love with wholesome, flavorful food. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Power-Up: Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or steak.
- Veggie Variety: Experiment with other vegetables like shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or edamame.
- Dressing Delights: Adjust the amount of chili sauce or lime juice to customize the spiciness and tartness of the dressing.
- Nutty Addition: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts would add a nice crunchy element.
- Make it a Meal Prep Marvel: Prepare the salad components in advance and store them separately until ready to assemble.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a simple pleasure that brings a touch of brightness and flavor to my life, and I hope it does the same for yours.
