Cold Ginger Chicken Salad
Tender poached chicken and crisp veggies tossed in a zesty ginger-sesame dressing. This light and refreshing salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a light summer dinner, embodying fresh California flavors.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Poach the Chicken
- b.Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a pot or deep skillet. Add the white parts of the scallions and salt.
- c.Pour in enough water to cover the chicken by about 1 inch.
- d.Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Avoid a rolling boil to keep the chicken tender.
- e.Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-18 minutes.
- f.Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Remove chicken from the pot and let it cool completely on a cutting board.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Ginger-Sesame Dressing
- b.In a small bowl or jar, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, avocado oil, and honey.
- c.Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- d.Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prep Vegetables and Shred Chicken
- b.While the chicken is cooling, wash and prepare all your vegetables: chop the romaine lettuce, thinly slice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and julienne the carrots.
- c.Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use two forks or your fingers to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped lettuce, sliced cucumber, julienned carrots, and sliced red bell pepper.
- c.Drizzle the ginger-sesame dressing over the salad.
- d.Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- e.Garnish with the green parts of the scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds.
- f.Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender chicken, avoid boiling it. A gentle simmer is key to keeping it moist.
- 2Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- 3To save time, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred the meat.
- 4For meal prep, store the dressing, shredded chicken, and chopped vegetables in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Combine just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
- 5For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips when serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace the chicken with 1 block (14 oz) of extra-firm tofu, pressed and pan-fried, or 2 cans (15 oz each) of chickpeas. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a finely minced red chili to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Different GreensDifferent Greens
Swap the romaine lettuce for an equal amount of shredded napa cabbage, mixed spring greens, or thinly sliced kale for a different texture and flavor profile.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Replace the avocado oil with 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter and add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water to the dressing to thin it out, creating a delicious peanut-ginger sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Vitamins & Fiber
Loaded with fresh vegetables like romaine, carrots, and bell peppers, this salad provides essential vitamins (A, C, K), minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports overall health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The dressing features avocado oil and sesame oil, both of which are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Boost
Ginger and garlic are renowned for their natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 475-500 calories, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. The exact count can vary based on the size of the chicken breasts and vegetables.