Description

This Zesty Chicken Salad combines the crisp crunch of Napa and red cabbages, sweet shredded carrots, and sugar snap peas with tender shredded chicken and bright orange segments, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing made from rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and coconut aminos. Finished with fresh cilantro, slivered almonds, and optional sesame seeds, this vibrant salad offers a refreshing and healthy meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups Napa or Green Cabbage (Any crisp lettuce for a lighter version)
2 cups Red Cabbage (Additional green cabbage if unavailable)
1 cup Shredded Carrots (Or colorful veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch)
1 cup Sugar Snap Peas (Can substitute with snow peas)
1/2 cup Green Onions (Chives or shallots as alternatives)
2 cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken (Rotisserie chicken recommended)
1 cup Orange Segments (Diced apples can be used instead)
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves (Parsley as an optional substitute)
1/4 cup Slivered or Sliced Almonds (Toasted sunflower seeds for nut-free version)
1 tablespoon Optional Sesame Seeds

Dressing Ingredients

Rice Vinegar (quantity not specified, estimated 3 tablespoons)
Toasted Sesame Oil (estimated 1 tablespoon)
Coconut Aminos (estimated 2 tablespoons)
Avocado Oil (estimated 1 tablespoon)
Ground Ginger (estimated 1/2 teaspoon)
Garlic Powder (estimated 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

Combine Salad Base: In a large bowl, mix together the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sugar snap peas, green onions, and cooked shredded chicken until all the ingredients are evenly combined, ensuring a colorful and crunchy salad base.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, coconut aminos, avocado oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and well blended, balancing tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture to keep the vegetables crisp. Gently toss the salad to coat every ingredient evenly without bruising or wilting the veggies.
Add Final Ingredients: Carefully fold in the juicy orange segments, fresh cilantro leaves, and slivered almonds to incorporate bursts of sweetness and crunch, maintaining their shape and texture within the salad.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle optional sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors at their best.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken can significantly reduce prep time while adding flavorful, tender chicken.
To keep the salad crisp, add dressing only just before serving.
Substitutions are provided for nuts and various vegetables to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
For a nut-free version, omit almonds and sesame seeds or use alternatives like toasted sunflower seeds.
Adjust seasoning and dressing ingredients to taste, especially if substituting coconut aminos with soy sauce for sodium control.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Zesty Chicken Salad, Crunchy Cabbage Salad, Citrus Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Quick Chicken Salad, Low Fat Salad, Fresh Chicken Salad