Dive into a world of flavors with this Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe. This refreshing dish combines the zesty flavors of ginger with the subtle nuttiness of sesame. It's not just a salad, it's a main course filled with protein-packed chicken, crunchy almonds, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a homemade ginger-sesame dressing.
For this recipe, you'll need a few ingredients that might not be in your everyday pantry. The first one is hoisin sauce, a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a sweet and salty taste that adds depth to the marinade. The second one is sriracha, a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers. And lastly, sesame seeds are available in two types - white and black, which might not be commonly found but they add a unique texture to the salad.
Ingredients for Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Soy sauce: A common ingredient in Asian cuisine, adds a salty umami flavor.
Ginger: Adds a warm and spicy flavor.
Canola oil: Used for marinating and grilling the chicken.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the marinade.
Sesame oil: Gives a rich, nutty flavor.
Sriracha: Adds a kick of heat.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to the dressing.
Green onions: Gives a mild, sweet onion flavor.
Chicken breasts: The main source of protein in the salad.
Napa cabbage: Has a light, sweet taste and crunchy texture.
Carrots: Adds a sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
Almonds: Provides a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Cilantro leaves: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Sesame seeds: Gives a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
One reader, Kristian Doucette says:
This grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dressing is simply divine. The combination of the tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and nutty almonds is a match made in heaven. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a healthy and delicious meal!
Techniques Required for Making Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Marinade: Mixing soy sauce, ginger, canola oil, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and salt to marinate the chicken. Dressing: Whisking red wine vinegar and chopped green onions into the remaining dressing mixture. Grilling the chicken: Cooking the marinated chicken on a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Assembling the salad: Tossing together cabbage, chicken, carrots, almonds, green onions, and cilantro with enough dressing to coat the salad. Sprinkling the top with sesame seeds before serving.
How To Make Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
This grilled chicken chopped salad mixes veggies, nuts, and sesame seeds for a refreshing salad that’s tossed in tangy ginger-toasted sesame oil dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Dressing and Marinade:
- ¼cuplow sodium soy sauce
- 2tbspginger,finely minced
- 3tbspcanola oil
- 2tbsphoisin sauce
- 1tbspsesame oil,toasted
- 1tspsriracha
- ½tspsalt,then more to taste as desired
- ¼cupred wine vinegar
- ¼cupgreen onions,chopped, green and white parts
For Salad:
- 2boneless skinless chicken breasts,(9 oz)
- 1lbnapa cabbage,halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
- 1½cupsmatchstick carrots,or 2 medium carrots cut into matchsticks
- ⅔cupalmonds,slivered or sliced, toasted
- ½cupcilantro leaves,chopped
- 3green onions,chopped, green and white parts
- 1tspwhite sesame seeds,toasted
- 1tspblack sesame seeds,or an additional 1 white, toasted
Instructions
Marinade:
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, canola oil, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, and salt, to taste.
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Add chicken breasts to a large resealable bag and add 3 tablespoons of the marinade mixture, reserving remaining.
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Seal bag and rub marinade over chicken, then transfer chicken to the refrigerator and let rest at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
Dressing:
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Add red wine vinegar and chopped green onions to the remaining dressing mixture and whisk to blend. Set aside. Chill in refrigerator if marinating chicken longer than 1 hour.
Salad:
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Heat a grill or grill pan over the stovetop over medium-high heat. Brush grill lightly with canola oil.
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Place marinated chicken on grill and cook, about 4 minutes per side, or until chicken has cooked through. It should register to 165 degrees F in the center of the chicken when tested with a meat thermometer.
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Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Then, cut chicken crosswise into strips about ¼-inch thick.
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In a large bowl toss together cabbage, chicken, carrots, almonds, green onions, and cilantro with enough dressing to coat salad.
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Sprinkle top with sesame seeds and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 504.15kcal
- Fat: 30.83g
- Saturated Fat: 3.14g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.55g
- Carbohydrates: 18.69g
- Fiber: 6.48g
- Sugar: 7.28g
- Protein: 40.16g
- Cholesterol: 99.52mg
- Sodium: 920.32mg
- Calcium: 242.39mg
- Potassium: 1210.75mg
- Iron: 3.33mg
- Vitamin A: 659.90µg
- Vitamin C: 57.82mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
When grilling chicken, it's important to let it rest after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken. If you cut into the chicken immediately after cooking, the juices will run out, leaving the chicken dry. So, patience is key here for a juicy, flavorful grilled chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the dressing and chop the salad ingredients to streamline the process.
Grill extra: Cook additional chicken to have on hand for quick and easy meal prep throughout the week.
Invest in pre-cut: Purchase pre-shredded cabbage and pre-cut matchstick carrots to cut down on prep time.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the cilantro, green onions, and almonds for the salad.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos is a soy-free alternative that has a similar umami flavor and is lower in sodium, making it suitable for those with soy allergies or on a low-sodium diet.
canola oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable substitute for canola oil in this recipe.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with plum sauce: Plum sauce offers a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it a suitable substitute for hoisin sauce.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil provides a nutty flavor similar to sesame oil, adding depth to the dish.
sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce provides a similar spicy kick and garlicky flavor, making it a suitable substitute for sriracha.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a slightly fruity and tangy flavor, similar to red wine vinegar, and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
napa cabbage - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy has a similar mild and slightly sweet flavor, making it a suitable substitute for napa cabbage in this recipe.
matchstick carrots - Substitute with julienned bell peppers: Julienned bell peppers provide a similar crunchy texture and add a pop of color to the salad, making them a suitable substitute for matchstick carrots.
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews offer a creamy texture and nutty flavor similar to almonds, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley provides a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, making it a suitable substitute for cilantro leaves.
white sesame seeds - Substitute with black sesame seeds: Black sesame seeds offer a similar nutty flavor and visual contrast, making them a suitable substitute for white sesame seeds in this recipe.
Best Way to Present Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use vibrant colors and contrasting textures to make the dish pop.
Incorporate height and depth: Arrange the salad ingredients in a way that creates dimension on the plate. Consider using edible flowers or microgreens to add a touch of elegance and height to the dish.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Ensure that the chicken strips are neatly arranged and the sesame seeds are sprinkled with precision for a polished presentation.
Utilize negative space: Allow the plate to breathe by incorporating negative space around the salad. This will draw attention to the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch to the presentation by garnishing with a sprig of fresh herbs or a delicate drizzle of the remaining dressing for a professional and refined finish.
Consider the plate shape and color: Select a round plate or a rectangular platter that complements the colors of the salad. The plate should enhance the overall presentation without overpowering the dish.
Highlight the chicken: Place the grilled chicken strips strategically on top of the salad, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish. This will showcase the star ingredient and create an enticing visual appeal.
Balance the composition: Aim for a balanced composition by distributing the salad components evenly across the plate. This will create a harmonious and visually pleasing arrangement.
Essential Tools for Making This Chopped Salad Recipe
Grill or grill pan: A grill or grill pan is used to cook the marinated chicken, giving it a smoky and charred flavor.
Resealable bag: A resealable bag is used to marinate the chicken, allowing the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat.
Cutting board: A cutting board is used to rest the cooked chicken and to slice it into strips before adding it to the salad.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to prepare the dressing and marinade for the chicken salad.
Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is used to ensure that the grilled chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature for food safety.
Brush: A brush is used to lightly oil the grill or grill pan before cooking the marinated chicken.
Large bowl: A large bowl is used to toss together the salad ingredients and coat them with the dressing.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad recipe:
To store the salad in the refrigerator:
- Keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients until ready to serve to prevent the cabbage and other vegetables from getting soggy
- Store the grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
- Place the chopped cabbage, carrots, almonds, green onions, and cilantro in a separate airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3-4 days
- The dressing can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
For longer storage, you can freeze parts of the salad:
- Freeze the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2-3 months
- Thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding to the salad
- The dressing can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months
- Thaw the frozen dressing in the refrigerator overnight before using
- Note: The vegetables and herbs (cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro) do not freeze well and should be prepared fresh when assembling the salad
- Freeze the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2-3 months
To maintain the best quality and texture of the salad:
- Assemble the salad just before serving
- Toss the grilled chicken, chopped vegetables, almonds, and dressing together in a large bowl
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad is to separate the chicken from the salad ingredients. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy and the chicken from drying out.
- For the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of canola oil until warmed through.
- For the salad, place the cabbage, carrots, almonds, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss the ingredients together gently to combine. If the salad seems dry, you can add a small amount of the reserved dressing and toss again.
- Once the chicken is heated through, let it cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces, if desired. Add the chicken to the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad before serving.
- If you prefer a warm salad, you can microwave the salad ingredients (excluding the almonds and sesame seeds) for 30-60 seconds before adding the reheated chicken and tossing everything together.
- Remember to taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of soy sauce to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Fact About Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Ginger-sesame chicken is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, known for its flavorful combination of ginger, sesame, and soy sauce.
Is Making This Chopped Salad Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad recipe offers a good balance of cost-effectiveness. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, napa cabbage, and carrots keeps the overall cost reasonable. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for easy substitution based on availability and budget. With an approximate cost of $20, this recipe provides a satisfying meal for a family of four. The flavorful marinade and dressing elevate the dish, making it a solid choice for a wholesome and budget-friendly meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Chopped Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. The salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like napa cabbage, carrots, almonds, and cilantro, providing a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The chicken breast is a lean protein source, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. The ginger and sesame oil in the marinade and dressing add flavor and have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the marinade and dressing to lower the overall calorie content
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to decrease the salt content
- Use a healthier oil alternative, such as avocado oil, instead of canola oil
- Increase the variety of vegetables in the salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or edamame, to boost the nutrient profile
- Add a whole grain, like quinoa or brown rice, to make the salad more filling and provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates
By incorporating these changes, you can elevate the nutritional value of the salad while maintaining its delicious taste. Additionally, you could experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade and dressing to create new flavor combinations and keep the salad interesting. Overall, this grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad is a tasty and healthy meal option that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and nutritional needs.
Editor's Thoughts on Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe
The grilled ginger-sesame chicken chopped salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of savory and spicy notes, while the dressing adds a refreshing tanginess. The napa cabbage and matchstick carrots provide a satisfying crunch, complemented by the nuttiness of the almonds. The combination of white and black sesame seeds adds a visual and textural appeal. Overall, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors and is a delightful option for a light and flavorful meal.
Enhance Your Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The ginger and sesame oil infuse the chicken with aromatic and savory notes, while the hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness. The use of low sodium soy sauce and red wine vinegar enhances the umami profile, showcasing a thoughtful approach to seasoning. Additionally, the inclusion of matchstick carrots and napa cabbage provides a refreshing crunch, complemented by the nuttiness of almonds. The meticulous attention to detail in the marinade and dressing guarantees a dish that's both flavorful and trustworthy.
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