This Low Carb Chinese Chicken Salad is fresh, crunchy, and super tasty! With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a zingy dressing, it’s a perfect dish for a light meal.
I love how colorful it is—looks great on the plate! Plus, it’s quick to make, so I get to enjoy it without spending all day in the kitchen. Who knew healthy could be this fun? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Using both green and purple cabbage adds color and a crunch to your salad. If you’re short on time, pre-shredded cabbage is available at the store. You can also use napa cabbage for a milder taste.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and color. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini can work great instead!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a perfect protein choice. Rotisserie chicken is a quick option, or you can use leftover grilled chicken. Tofus or chickpeas make great substitutes for a vegetarian option.
Nuts: Slivered almonds add a nice crunch. If you’re allergic, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are good substitutes. They’ll give you a similar texture without the nuts.
Sauce Ingredients: For the dressing, tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. Fresh ginger is preferred, but jarred ginger can save time in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Dressing?
The dressing is key to enhancing all the ingredients in the salad. Here are some tips for making it shine:
- Start by combining the sesame oil and rice vinegar; this gives a wonderful base flavor.
- Whisk in the soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic well to ensure even mixing.
- Don’t forget the sesame seeds! They add dimension to the dressing when mixed in.
Mix the dressing separately from the salad first. This keeps the veggies fresh and crunchy since you can add the dressing just before serving.
How to Make Low Carb Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped peanuts
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Low Carb Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want the flavors to meld, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. So, in total, you will need around 45 minutes if you choose to chill it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine your shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and shredded carrots, along with the cooked chicken breast. Give everything a good mix so all the ingredients are well combined. This colorful mix will add lots of crunch and flavor!
2. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Next, toss in the sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro into the salad bowl. These will add a refreshing touch to your salad. Stir everything well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Make sure everything is mixed well and the ingredients are combined into a simple dressing. It’s packed with flavor and will enhance your salad!
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the delicious dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything together until all the vegetables and chicken are well coated in the dressing. This is where all those yummy flavors come together!
5. Season and Add Crunch:
Now, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste—this step is important for bringing out the flavors! Finally, sprinkle the slivered almonds or chopped peanuts on top for that wonderful crunch and extra texture.
6. Serve or Chill:
Your Low Carb Chinese Chicken Salad is all set! You can serve it right away, or if you have a little patience, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together even more, making it even tastier!
Enjoy your refreshing, crunchy, and healthy salad!
Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use diced tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a different flavor. Just make sure to cook the protein before adding it to the salad. If using tofu, sauté it lightly for extra texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the salad ingredients (cabbages, carrots, chicken, and herbs) and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. Make the dressing in advance as well and keep it in a sealed container. Combine everything just before serving to maintain the crunchiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad can lose some crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to rehydrate, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil before eating!
Can I Adjust the Dressing to My Taste?
Of course! Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding more soy sauce for saltiness or more rice vinegar for a tangy kick. You can also use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a fresh twist.
