Easy & Flavorful Asian Chicken Salad with Homemade Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette

There’s something truly magical about the vibrant flavors and delightful textures of Asian cuisine. It’s a culinary world that consistently brings joy to my plate, and if given the chance, I’d happily indulge in it every single day. This particular Asian Chicken Salad with its irresistible Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette is a testament to that love, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements all in one satisfying bowl. More than just a meal, it’s a healthy-ish excuse to savor those beloved flavors without guilt, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

One of the most appealing aspects of this Asian Chicken Salad recipe is its incredible efficiency. From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal ready in approximately 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful without a long wait. The homemade dressing is equally simple to prepare; I often mix it directly in a mason jar, which not only makes for effortless preparation but also provides a convenient storage solution for any leftovers. This means you can easily store it in the refrigerator and have it ready for another salad or as a dip throughout the week.

Crafting the Perfect Asian Chicken Salad Base

Building the foundation for this Asian Chicken Salad starts with a thoughtful combination of fresh, crisp greens and crunchy vegetables. I typically begin by blending shredded lettuce, broccoli slaw, and finely shredded cabbage. This particular trio is chosen for several reasons: it provides a beautiful balance of textures, from the tender lettuce to the hearty crunch of the slaw and cabbage. Beyond texture, this blend ensures a good intake of essential nutrients, naturally incorporating elements like carrots and red cabbage, which are often found in pre-packaged slaw mixes. The varying colors also add a wonderful visual appeal, making your salad as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

For ultimate convenience, I simply grab a bag each of finely shredded lettuce, angle-shredded cabbage, and broccoli slaw from the grocery store. If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, a single bag of coleslaw mix can serve as a suitable substitute, though I find that adding extra shredded lettuce contributes a much-appreciated lightness and volume to the salad. This method allows you to take advantage of readily available supermarket products, significantly cutting down on prep time without sacrificing quality or flavor. The goal is to make healthy eating as accessible and enjoyable as possible, and these prepared ingredients certainly help achieve that.

Layering in the Delicious Details

Once the green base is prepared, it’s time to layer in the exciting mix of textures and flavors that truly define this Asian Chicken Salad. I carefully arrange all my favorite ingredients, creating a symphony of taste and crunch. This includes crispy chow mein noodles, which provide an irresistible textural contrast, thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, pungent kick, and sweet, juicy mandarin oranges that offer a burst of citrusy brightness. Water chestnuts contribute a unique, crisp earthiness, while bean sprouts add another layer of freshness and delicate crunch. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a well-rounded and exciting salad experience.

However, the true showstopper in this recipe is undoubtedly the chicken. It’s prepared with a unique blend of spices that elevates it far beyond a simple grilled chicken. This chicken recipe is, if I do say so myself, pretty fantastic and truly sets this salad apart from others. The succulent, flavorful chicken becomes the perfect centerpiece, complementing all the fresh ingredients with its rich, savory notes.

When you first review the chicken recipe, you might notice some spices that seem a little unexpected for an Asian-inspired dish. For instance, the inclusion of Ras el Hanout might raise an eyebrow, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. This North African spice blend, known for its complex and aromatic profile, brings an incredible extra layer and depth of flavor to the chicken that is surprisingly complementary. It adds a warmth and nuance that you wouldn’t get from typical Asian spices alone. Furthermore, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking brightens up the entire dish, cutting through the richness and keeping every bite feeling incredibly fresh and invigorating. This unexpected combination is what makes the chicken truly special and memorable.

The Star: Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette

While the flavorful chicken and vibrant salad components are essential, it’s this exceptional Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette that truly ties the entire Asian Chicken Salad together, elevating it from a good salad to an unforgettable culinary experience. My philosophy in the kitchen is to minimize waste, and this dressing is a perfect example of that. I ingeniously created this vinaigrette by utilizing the liquid reserved from the canned mandarin oranges. This not only adds a natural sweetness and a subtle citrus note but also ensures that no flavorful ingredient goes to waste. Coupled with a selection of other classic Asian essentials and my absolute favorite ingredient—peanut butter—the result is a beautifully balanced, creamy, and irresistibly delicious dressing.

The method for mixing this incredible dressing couldn’t be simpler, making it perfect for even the busiest home cooks. The easiest and most efficient way to prepare your Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette is to literally throw all the ingredients into a mason jar. Once everything is inside, secure the lid tightly and give it a vigorous shake for a couple of minutes. This shaking action thoroughly emulsifies all the ingredients, ensuring a smooth, consistent, and well-blended dressing. The mason jar method also serves as an excellent storage container, allowing you to easily refrigerate any leftover vinaigrette for future use.

Don’t be daunted by what might seem like a lengthy ingredient list for the vinaigrette. In reality, it’s primarily a compilation of fundamental Asian pantry staples that, once acquired, will serve you well for countless dishes. Outfitting your kitchen with these basics will empower you to infuse Asian inspiration into almost any meal moving forward, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. However, if you’re truly pressed for time or prefer a simpler route, there’s always the option to forgo the homemade vinaigrette and purchase a ready-made Asian dressing from your local grocery store. Many excellent brands offer delicious options that can still complement this salad wonderfully, though I highly encourage you to try the homemade version for its unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Asian Chicken Salad

To recreate this vibrant and flavorful Asian Chicken Salad, you’ll need a selection of fresh produce, succulent chicken, and a range of pantry staples for the standout vinaigrette. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the components:

For the Flavorful Chicken:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, offering a lean protein base.
• Ras el Hanout: This unique spice blend adds complex, aromatic notes and a warm, exotic depth to the chicken.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes a classic, fragrant warmth that complements the Asian profile.
• Roasted Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory elements with a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle bite and aroma.
• Lime, juiced: A crucial ingredient for brightening the flavors and adding a fresh, zesty finish.

For the Signature Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette:

• Peanut Butter: The creamy base, providing rich, nutty flavor and essential body to the dressing.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and a subtle spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami, depth, and a perfectly balanced salty flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Imparts a distinctive, aromatic nutty essence that is quintessential to Asian dressings.
• Olive Oil: Used for a smooth consistency and a healthy fat base.
• Mandarin Orange Juice: Cleverly sourced from canned mandarins, it provides natural sweetness and a tangy citrus note.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Offers a mild, sweet acidity that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for its pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Dijon: A touch of Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a slight tang.
• Honey: Balances the savory and acidic elements with a natural sweetness.
• Sriracha: An optional addition for those who enjoy a bit more heat and chili flavor.

For the Fresh & Crunchy Salad:

• Shredded Lettuce: Provides a light, crisp foundation for the salad.
• Broccoli Slaw: Adds a fantastic crunch, vibrant color, and extra nutrients.
• Shredded Cabbage: Contributes another layer of texture and a slightly peppery note.
• Mandarin Oranges, canned: Sweet and juicy, they offer a delightful burst of citrus. Remember to reserve the liquid for the vinaigrette!
• Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: Essential for that satisfying, savory crunch.
• Water Chestnuts: Provide a unique, crisp texture and mild flavor.
• Bean Sprouts: Fresh and tender, adding a delicate crunch and earthy flavor (use fresh if available).
• Cashews, toasted: Offer a rich, buttery crunch and healthy fats, complementing the peanut dressing.

📖 Recipe Card

Asian Chicken Salad

This quick and easy Asian Chicken Salad features tender, spice-marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy homemade Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4, 6 oz Chicken Breast
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 teaspoon Ras el Hanout
• 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• ½ teaspoon Roasted Garlic Powder
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ½ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Vinaigrette

• ½ cup Peanut Butter
• ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 2 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
• ½ cup Mandarin Orange Juice
• ½ cup Rice Wine Vinegar
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon
• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 2 teaspoon Sriracha, optional

Salad

• 1 bag Shredded Lettuce
• 1 bag Broccoli Slaw
• 1 bag Shredded Cabbage
• 1 15oz can Mandarine Oranges, drained, liquid reserved
• 1 bag Crispy Chow Mein Noodles
• 1 can Sliced Water Chestnuts
• 1 15oz can Bean Sprouts, optional, use fresh if available
• 1-2 cups Cashews, toasted

Instructions

Chicken

1. Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine all seasoning ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add chicken and allow to marinate for 30 minutes minimum or overnight.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with pan spray or olive oil.
4. Working in two batches sear and cook the chicken, turning each piece until well browned on each side. When it is browned all around, it should be completely cooked. To be sure, use an instant-read thermometer, it should read 165 degrees.
5. Let cool slightly while you prepare your Vinaigrette. Serve at room temp on top of your salad.

Vinaigrette

1. Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, top with the lid, and shake well for about 2 minutes to combine all ingredients very well. If there is still room in your mason jar, add more peanut butter to fill and shake, shake, shake.

Salad Assembly

1. In a large bowl, mix the salad greens to combine. Layer on the remaining ingredients (mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, cashews). Top with chicken and about half the vinaigrette and toss to combine, serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side with your ergo spout for easy pouring.

Notes

You can leave the sriracha out altogether if you don’t like it spicy, or serve it on the side so each person can customize it to their liking. For meal prep, keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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