Exquisite Asian Chicken Salad with Creamy Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette: A Quick & Healthy Delight

Embark on a culinary journey with this irresistible Asian Chicken Salad, perfectly complemented by a luscious Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette. This dish is a harmonious blend of crisp textures, vibrant flavors, and the delightful sweetness of mandarin oranges, all brought together with a unique savory-sweet dressing. If you, like me, find immense joy in the intricate flavors of Asian cuisine and often crave Chinese food, this recipe offers a fresh, healthy-ish, and incredibly satisfying way to indulge that craving right in your own kitchen.

What truly sets this Asian Chicken Salad apart is its remarkable efficiency. From start to finish, you can have this exquisite meal ready in approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a quick, impressive lunch. The secret to simplifying cleanup and storage? Our homemade vinaigrette is easily prepared and stored in a mason jar, ensuring freshness and convenience for any leftovers.

Crafting the Perfect Asian Chicken Salad: A Symphony of Flavors

The foundation of any great salad lies in its greens and base, and this Asian Chicken Salad is no exception. We begin by combining a thoughtful mix of shredded lettuce, crisp broccoli slaw, and finely shredded cabbage. This particular blend isn’t just for visual appeal; it’s chosen to provide a delightful balance of textures and essential nutrients. The broccoli slaw introduces vibrant color and a satisfying crunch, while the finely shredded cabbage adds another layer of texture and a slightly peppery note, along with the goodness of carrots and red cabbage often found within these convenient grocery store packages.

For ultimate convenience without compromising on quality, I typically opt for pre-packaged bags of finely shredded lettuce, angled shredded cabbage, and broccoli slaw. This approach significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to assemble your salad with ease. While a simple coleslaw mix can certainly work in a pinch, I find that adding extra shredded lettuce introduces a desirable lightness to the overall dish, ensuring it never feels too heavy despite its rich flavors. The combination of these ingredients forms a robust and appealing canvas for the stars of our salad.

Assembling Your Flavorful Salad Layers

Once the base is ready, it’s time to layer in the exciting array of ingredients that make this Asian Chicken Salad truly special. We’re talking about a medley of textures and tastes: crunchy crispy chow mein noodles, the subtle bite of fresh green onions, the juicy sweetness of mandarin oranges, the delicate crunch of water chestnuts, and the refreshing texture of bean sprouts. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dynamic and engaging eating experience. However, the true showstopper, the element that elevates this salad from good to absolutely fantastic, is undoubtedly the expertly prepared chicken. Its unique seasoning and perfect sear make it a star in its own right, delivering a depth of flavor that will leave you impressed.

Now, when you glance at the chicken recipe’s spice list, you might raise an eyebrow at the inclusion of Ras el Hanout. This North African spice blend might seem a little unconventional for an Asian-inspired dish, but trust me, it’s a stroke of genius. The complex, aromatic profile of Ras el Hanout introduces an unexpected yet incredibly welcome layer of depth and warmth to the chicken, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile than typical Asian chicken preparations. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice over the cooked chicken brightens all these wonderful flavors, ensuring every bite feels incredibly fresh and vibrant, perfectly balancing the richness of the spices.

The Heart of the Salad: Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette

No Asian Chicken Salad would be complete without a truly exceptional dressing, and our homemade Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette is precisely that. This vinaigrette isn’t just a complement; it’s the element that truly brings every single component of this salad together, weaving them into a cohesive and unforgettable dish. My philosophy in the kitchen is to minimize waste, and this dressing brilliantly exemplifies that. It ingeniously utilizes the liquid drained from canned mandarin oranges, transforming what might typically be discarded into a foundation of natural sweetness and tangy zest.

By combining this mandarin juice with a curated selection of other Asian pantry essentials and, of course, my all-time favorite ingredient – creamy peanut butter – we achieve a vinaigrette that is both rich and complex. The peanut butter adds a wonderful creaminess and nutty depth, while soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger (if desired), and a touch of Sriracha (for those who love a little heat) create a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is savory, sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy. It’s an explosion of umami that coats every leaf and piece of chicken beautifully.

Preparing this exquisite vinaigrette couldn’t be simpler, making it a joy to whip up. The easiest method by far is to combine all the ingredients in a mason jar. Literally, just throw everything in, secure the lid tightly, and give it a vigorous shake for a couple of minutes until all the ingredients are thoroughly emulsified and beautifully combined. This method not only makes preparation a breeze but also doubles as a convenient storage solution for any leftover dressing, keeping it fresh and ready for your next salad.

While the ingredient list for this vinaigrette may appear extensive at first glance, please don’t let that discourage you. Many of these items are foundational Asian pantry staples that, once acquired, will open up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to infuse Asian inspiration into countless other dishes. Stocking your kitchen with these basics is an investment in flavor. However, if time is of the essence or you prefer an even simpler approach, there’s always the option to skip the homemade vinaigrette and choose from the wide array of excellent ready-made Asian dressings available at most grocery stores. But for the full, authentic experience, I highly recommend making this vibrant dressing from scratch.

Key Ingredients for Your Ultimate Asian Chicken Salad

To recreate this sensational Asian Chicken Salad at home, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need. Each element is carefully selected to contribute to the overall balance, texture, and flavor profile of the dish, ensuring a truly gourmet experience that’s still accessible for the home cook.

For the Flavorful Chicken:

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein, diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even distribution.
• Ras el Hanout: The secret weapon. This Moroccan spice blend adds incredible depth, warmth, and an unexpected aromatic complexity that truly elevates the chicken beyond a simple stir-fry flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Provides a classic Asian warmth and subtle pungency, complementing the chicken beautifully.
• Roasted Garlic Powder: Delivers a mellow yet potent garlic flavor, enhancing the savory notes without the sharpness of raw garlic.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and balance the spices.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Added after cooking, it provides a crucial bright acidity that cuts through richness and keeps the chicken tasting fresh and vibrant.

For the Irresistible Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star, providing creamy texture, nutty flavor, and a rich base for the dressing.
• Crushed Red Pepper: For a subtle kick of heat, adjustable to your preference.
• Soy Sauce: Adds essential umami and saltiness, a cornerstone of Asian dressings.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor, synonymous with Asian cuisine.
• Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the dressing and provides a smooth mouthfeel.
• Mandarin Orange Juice (reserved from can): A brilliant zero-waste ingredient that lends natural sweetness and tang.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Provides a mild, slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the peanut butter and soy sauce.
• Fresh Garlic (minced): Adds pungent, aromatic depth.
• Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing stay together, and adds a subtle tang.
• Honey: Balances the savory and acidic notes with natural sweetness.
• Sriracha (optional): For those who desire a bolder spicy kick. Adjust to taste or omit entirely.

For the Crisp & Colorful Salad Base and Toppings:

• Shredded Lettuce: The light, fresh base for the salad.
• Broccoli Slaw & Shredded Cabbage: Add texture, crunch, and a blend of other vegetables like carrots for color and nutrients.
• Mandarin Oranges (canned, drained): Sweet, juicy bursts of flavor that complement the vinaigrette.
• Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: Essential for that satisfying, savory crunch and textural contrast.
• Water Chestnuts (sliced): Offer a unique, crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
• Bean Sprouts (canned or fresh): Add a refreshing crunch and earthy flavor. Fresh sprouts are always preferred if available for maximum crispness.
• Cashews (toasted): Provide another layer of nutty crunch and rich flavor, enhancing the overall experience.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Asian Chicken Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding Asian Chicken Salad involves a few key considerations that can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary. Paying attention to these details will ensure maximum flavor, freshness, and enjoyment.

Marination is Key for Flavorful Chicken

Do not skimp on the marination time for the chicken. While 30 minutes is the minimum to allow the Ras el Hanout, ginger, and garlic powder to infuse their complex flavors, an overnight marination in the refrigerator will yield an even more deeply flavorful and tender chicken. The spices need time to penetrate the meat, transforming simple chicken breast into a truly aromatic delight. When searing, ensure your skillet is adequately hot to achieve a beautiful brown crust on each piece, locking in the juices and flavor.

Perfecting Your Mandarin Peanut Vinaigrette

When preparing the vinaigrette, the mason jar method is not just for convenience; it’s also highly effective for emulsification. Shake vigorously for at least two minutes. If you find the dressing is still separating or not as thick as you’d like, don’t hesitate to add a little more peanut butter. Peanut butter acts as a natural emulsifier, and a slightly thicker dressing will cling better to the salad ingredients, ensuring every bite is coated in that delicious flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings – a little more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for umami, or Sriracha for heat can tailor it perfectly to your palate.

Freshness and Texture are Paramount

For the best experience, assemble your salad just before serving. This prevents the greens and crispy components like chow mein noodles from becoming soggy. If you’re meal prepping, store the cooked chicken, prepared vinaigrette, and dry salad ingredients separately. Combine them right before eating for optimal crispness. Also, consider lightly toasting your cashews to bring out their natural oils and enhance their nutty flavor, adding another layer of depth to the salad’s texture profile.

Variations and Customizations for Every Palate

One of the beauties of this Asian Chicken Salad is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

• Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? Grilled shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be excellent substitutes.
• Vegetable Boost: Add extra vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumber ribbons, edamame, or snow peas for more color, crunch, and nutrients.
• Spice Level: The Sriracha in the vinaigrette is optional. If you love heat, feel free to add more or serve extra on the side. For a milder version, omit it entirely.
• Nut Alternatives: If cashews aren’t your favorite, try toasted peanuts or slivered almonds for a different nutty crunch.
• Herbaceous Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or mint leaves before serving can add an extra layer of fragrant freshness.

📖 Recipe

Asian Chicken Salad

I love exploring new cuisines and this gives me another excuse to enjoy Chinese food yet another day of the week.

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.
2. Top your salad with the chicken and about half the vinaigrette and toss to combine, serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side with your ergo spout for easy pouring.

Salad

1. In a large bowl, mix the salad greens to combine. Layer on the remaining ingredients. Top with chicken and vinaigrette. Toss to combine.

Notes

You can leave the sriracha out altogether if you don’t like it spicy. Serve it on the side so each person can customize it to their liking.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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