Delicious Asian Chicken Salad: A Perfect Summer Recipe
Greetings food lovers!
Welcome to my blog where I share healthy and nutritious recipes that will tickle your taste buds. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always strive to create wholesome dishes that are not only good for your body but also easy to prepare. Today, I am excited to introduce to you a delicious and gluten-free recipe – the Asian Chicken Salad.
This Chinese-inspired chicken salad is loaded with lots of colorful vegetables that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. The dish is perfect for a refreshing lunch or light dinner, especially during those hot summer days when you want something light and crisp.
The great thing about this recipe is that it is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, Paleo, and Whole30 compliant. Meaning, whatever dietary restrictions or food preferences you have, this recipe can work perfectly for you.
So why not grab a pen and paper and let’s start making a meal that bursts with flavor and nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a tantalizing and healthy salad to add to your culinary repertoire? Look no further than this Asian Chicken Salad Gluten-Free Recipe! This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome and flavorful meal, packed with protein and vegetables.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it requires minimal preparation time. Most of the ingredients are common pantry staples, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to pull it off. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly! You can even make substitutions or variations according to your taste preferences.
The combination of romaine lettuce, red cabbage, and napa cabbage creates an addictively crunchy base for the salad. Pairing that with tender and juicy boneless chicken breasts gives this dish an unbeatable texture that will leave your taste buds craving more. And if you’re looking to add extra umami flavor, try mixing in some sweet mandarin oranges or toasted sesame seeds!
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Chicken breasts are not only a great source of protein but also low in fat. By expanding the recipe to include shredded carrots and green onions, you’ll get all the crunchy veggies you want while keeping things lean and light.
Lastly, the salad dressing brings everything together in delightful harmony. Made with tamari soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey and rice vinegar, this tangy dressing is sure to punch up every bite without adding unhealthy fats or excess calories.
In summary, this Asian Chicken Salad Gluten-Free Recipe makes for an easy-to-make entree that promises maximum flavor without sacrificing your health goals. It’s a quintessential example of how healthy food doesn’t have to be just plain salads— it can be savory, satisfying, and most importantly… mouthwateringly delicious!
Ingredient List
When it comes to creating healthy and delicious meals like this Asian Chicken Salad Gluten-Free Recipe, the ingredient list is a vital aspect of cooking. To make this dish, you will need:
Chicken Salad Ingredients:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.5 pounds)
- Salt and Pepper
- ⅓ cup Gluten-Free Flour (I recommend using Bob’s Red Mill®)
- 2 large Eggs
- ¼ cup of 2% Low-Fat Milk
- ¾ cup Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs
- Cooking Spray
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 head of Romaine Lettuce
- 1 head of Napa Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 head of Red Cabbage, shredded
- 2 Carrots, peeled and shredded
- 3 Green Onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
Dressing Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup of Olive Oil
- 3 tbsps. of Rice Vinegar
- 2 tbsps. of Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce (I recommend using San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce)
- 2 tbsps. of Honey
- 1 tbsp. of Sesame Oil
- Juice from 1 Lime
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
These ingredients are carefully chosen to provide you with a perfect balance between taste and health benefits. The chicken used in this recipe is rich in protein while the vegetables are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the use of gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and tamari soy sauce make this recipe suitable for individuals who are gluten-intolerant or following a paleo or whole30 lifestyle. So gather all these wonderful ingredients and let’s get started on making this delicious recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have a list of fresh, gluten-free Asian inspired salad ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe. This Chinese chicken salad is perfect for a light dinner, meal prep or entertaining guests. Here is how to make it:
Ingredients:
- [ ] 1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- [ ] 4 cups of shredded Romaine lettuce
- [ ] 1 cup of shredded red cabbage
- [ ] 2 carrots, shredded
- [ ] 4 green onions, chopped
- [ ] 3 cups of cooked and cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dressing
– [ ] 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– [ ] 3 tbsp rice vinegar
– [ ] 2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
– [ ] 2 tbsp honey
– [ ] Juice of 1 lime
– [ ] 1/3 cup of sesame oil
Instructions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, shredded Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, shredded carrots and chopped green onions.
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Add the cooked and cubed chicken pieces to the mixing bowl.
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In a separate smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and rice vinegar until smooth.
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Add the gluten-free soy sauce, honey and lime juice to the bowl with the mustard mixture.
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Drizzle in the sesame oil while continuing to whisk and mix well so that everything is well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the larger mixing bowl.
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Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything well until all ingredients are coated evenly with dressing.
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Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips
- To save time on busy weekday evenings, cook the chicken breasts during the weekend and freeze them for easy dinner prep.
- When preparing the gluten-free soy sauce, check the label to make sure it is actually gluten-free as some brands can have trace amounts of gluten.
- To make this an even healthier option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- For a sweeter and spicier spin on the dressing, add sweet chili sauce to taste.
- Top your salad with some toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Enjoy your fresh Asian-inspired chicken salad that is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Substitutions and Variations
Welcome back! If you’re someone who loves to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, then this section is perfect for you. In this section, I will talk about several substitutions and variations that you can use to switch up the flavors of your Asian Chicken Salad Gluten Free Recipe.
First up on the list is the greens. While the recipe suggests using romaine lettuce, napa cabbage, and red cabbage, feel free to swap these out with other greens like kale or spinach. You could also go for a mix of your favorite greens if you want to add more variety.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour. You can also substitute the 2% low-fat milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
For a paleo-friendly version of this recipe, swap out the soy sauce with coconut aminos and replace the mayonnaise with an avocado-based dressing. You can also switch out the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar and use sweet chili sauce instead of honey.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding mandarin oranges or crispy wonton strips for some extra crunch and sweetness. You could also swap out the chicken breasts with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Lastly, if you like your salads with some “heat,” add some minced jalapeño or sriracha sauce to the salad dressing.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to substitutions and variations for this recipe. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect combination of flavors that suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared your Asian chicken salad gluten-free recipe, the next step is to enjoy it. It’s a refreshing salad that can be had as a meal or a side dish. It’s perfect on hot summer days, but we guarantee it’ll be just as satisfying any other day of the year.
This colorful salad is so appetizing that you can make it for your family gatherings or impress your dinner guests with it. It’s easy to prepare and presents beautifully on the table. Serve it up on a big platter, allowing everyone to help themselves.
The dressing is light and flavorful, making this salad pair effortlessly with numerous other dishes. We recommend pairing it with grilled fish or chicken. The slightly sweet and tangy flavors will complement the meat impeccably.
Another idea for pairing with your Asian chicken salad is serving it with sushi rolls, spring rolls, or vegetable dumplings. The combination will give you a delicious and filling meal that will satisfy all your cravings.
For wine pairing, choose a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc, as they both have fruity undertones and are refreshing beverages that complement the lightness of the salad perfectly.
For those who crave something crunchy with their meals, try serving this salad over some lightly salted rice crackers or toasted brown rice pasta for an added crunch factor.
Now that you have cooked up this Asian chicken salad gluten-free recipe, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you short on time during your busy week, but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of this Asian Chicken Salad? Fear not, because with a few simple tips and tricks, meal prep becomes a breeze.
To make ahead, simply prepare the salad ingredients as directed in the recipe and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, cook the chicken and toss everything together with the salad dressing for a quick and easy meal on-the-go.
Storing this salad is also a seamless process. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To prevent sogginess, it is best to store the dressing separately and drizzle it over the salad right before serving.
Reheating can be tricky since the salad is generally served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer your chicken hot, try reheating it separately before adding it to the remaining ingredients. One easy method is to reheat the chicken for 30 seconds in the microwave, then add it to the rest of the cold salad ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors and temperatures.
So go ahead, make your week less stressful with some delicious meal prep that satisfies all your cravings.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have your ingredients ready, and you’re following the step-by-step guide to make an amazing Asian chicken salad gluten-free recipe, here are some tips to make sure you get perfect results.
1. Be cautious with the dressings
The dressing for this Asian chicken salad is savory and flavorful. However, when dressing the salad, only add the amount required, before adding more ask yourself if it needs more dressing or not. A dressing-heavy salad will drown the flavors of the other delicious ingredients.
2. Store the ingredients separately
If you don’t plan on eating all the salad in one go, store the ingredients separately. When you are ready to eat, mix them together with the dressing before serving.
3. Cook your chicken evenly
For perfect results, ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly but it does not become tough than necessary. You can pull out your thermometer and double-check that it has reached 165° F before taking it off the heat source.
4. Use fresh greens and crunchy vegetables
Using fresh greens and crunchy vegetables provides an extra dimension and flavor to this delicious salad recipe. This will also make sure that all of its health benefits are still there even if it sits in the fridge for later.
5. Don’t overmix
It is essential not to overmix this salad as it can turn out too soggy or mushy. Carefully toss everything together until they’re nicely coated with the amazing dressing.
These tips will make a significant difference in ensuring that every bite of your Asian chicken salad gluten-free recipe is full of flavor, nutritionally balanced and perfectly made for a filling meal or side dish.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this gluten-free Asian Chicken Salad recipe is a flavorful and healthy alternative to the traditional chicken salad. With the combination of fresh greens, crispy veggies, and juicy chicken, this salad provides a burst of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. By using gluten-free tamari soy sauce and rice vinegar, the recipe caters to those following a gluten-free, dairy-free or paleo diet.
Although this recipe may seem daunting at first sight due to its long ingredient list, the steps are simple and easy to follow. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.
Not only is this salad delicious but it can be customized depending on personal preferences which makes it even more versatile. It can be made ahead of time for effortless meal prep or stored as leftovers for lunch the next day.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Asian Chicken Salad a try and enjoy a wholesome meal that is both delicious and nutritious!
Asian Chicken Salad Gluten Free Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (I substituted warmed oil with sesame seeds)
Chicken Ingredients
- frying oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup 2% low-fat milk
- 1 cup flour (I used Bob's Red Mill GF all purpose flour)
- 1 cup corn flakes, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 4 cups chopped napa cabbage
- 1 cup chopped red cabbage
- 2 shredded carrots
- 3 sliced green onions
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (I used maifan rice sticks)
Instructions
- Blend dressing ingredients together and chill.
- In a shallow bowl beat the eggs, add milk and mix well. In another bowl, combine flour with cornflake crumbs, salt and pepper. Cut chicken breasts into strips. Dip each strip into egg mixture, then flour mixture, coating completely. Fry chicken in hot oil until coating is golden brown (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
- In a salad bowl, toss romaine, cabbages, carrot and green onion. Drizzle with enough dressing to taste. Sprinkle with almonds and noodles. Top with chicken.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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