Oh boy, do I have a delicious recipe to share with you today! If you’re looking for something fresh, crunchy, and unbelievably satisfying, then let me introduce you to my Keto Chinese Chicken Salad. This salad has everything you could want: it’s light, packed with nutrients, and bursting with amazing flavors. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, making it a great option for anyone watching their carbs, including myself from time to time!
I remember the first time I made this salad—it was during a hot summer day. I had just come back from a long afternoon hike and was in the mood for something refreshing yet filling. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked! The combination of tender shredded chicken with crisp veggies coupled with the rich sesame dressing just took me to flavor town. Honestly, it’s so good that I keep finding excuses to whip it up for lunches and dinners.
What’s in Keto Chinese Chicken Salad?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this salad such a showstopper:
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is the star of this show! It adds protein and makes the salad hearty. I usually use leftovers from a rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
Green Cabbage: This gives a lovely crunch! Green cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, making it perfect for a keto-friendly dish.
Red Cabbage: Besides the beautiful color it brings, red cabbage is packed with antioxidants. Plus, it offers a slightly sweeter taste than its green counterpart.
Carrots: Grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and are full of beta carotene. You can adjust the quantity if you’re keeping an eye on your carb intake.
Green Onions: These add a superb punch of flavor and a hint of color.
Almonds: Optional but highly recommended! They add a delightful crunch and provide healthy fats. I love slivered almonds, but whole ones can also work.
Sesame Seeds: Another optional ingredient, but sprinkle these on top and you’ve got a gorgeous presentation in addition to added flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro ties everything together with its bright and zesty flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can totally skip it!
The dressing is where all the magic happens.
Sesame Oil: This oil brings that distinct nutty flavor that is quintessential in Asian dishes.
Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Choose soy sauce for traditional flavor or go for coconut aminos if you want to keep it completely keto.
Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Both add a mild acidity that brightens up the salad.
Erythritol: A fantastic keto-friendly sweetener that balances out the dressing; feel free to adjust to your taste.
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics give the dressing depth and freshness.
Is Keto Chinese Chicken Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is not just delicious; it’s also quite healthy.
Chicken: A great source of lean protein that helps in muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
Cabbages: Whether green or red, they are low in calories and high in fiber, which is fantastic for digestion.
Almonds and Sesame Seeds: Both of these provide heart-healthy fats, which can help keep your cholesterol in check and provide necessary energy.
As with anything, moderation is key. Consider how much dressing you use since while it’s healthy, too much of any oil can add up in calories.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 4 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
– 2 cups red cabbage, finely chopped
– 1 cup carrots, grated
– 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
– 1/4 cup almonds, slivered (optional)
– 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Dressing:
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos (to keep it keto)
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp erythritol or any keto-friendly sweetener
– 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 4
How to Make Keto Chinese Chicken Salad?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, green onions, almonds, and cilantro. Don’t be afraid to get in there and mix things up!
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, erythritol, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. You want this dressing to be all mixed up for maximum flavor!
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to evenly coat all ingredients. It’s a salad hug in a bowl!
4. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish—such a lovely touch!
5. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Trust me, this waiting period is where the magic happens!
Now, you’ve got a delightful salad ready to be devoured!
Serving Up Extras!
Feel free to customize this salad! Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for variety. Add bell peppers for extra color and crunch or throw in some avocado for that creamy texture. You can even make it a meal-prep superstar by storing individual portions in airtight containers!
I can’t wait for you to try this Keto Chinese Chicken Salad! I hope it whisks you away on a flavor journey and becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Don’t forget to drop a comment and let me know how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
