I always get a little pit in my stomach whenever one of those dramatic restaurant exposes comes up online or on the news. You know what I’m talking about. A picture of a beautiful green salad or light sandwich is shown, but then the announcer comes on with his dark and scary “mwahaha” voice and challenges, “Do you KNOW what you’re eating?” Dum..dum..DUM!!!!
Ok, by this point in life, I know that most of the healthier-seeming options in restaurants are often less than such. But every now and then I’m still blown away by the nutrition facts. And more often than not, big beautiful salads tend to win the awards for most fat and calories. I remember when I recently looked up the nutrition facts for one of my favorite Asian chicken salads from a large well-known restaurant chain, it scored in at a whopping 98 grams of fat. Nope, no typo there. 98, people!!!!
Gah. This is why I like salads made at home!
So for anyone else out there who might like Chinese chicken salads, today I’m happy to be sharing with you a Lighter Chinese Chicken Salad recipe. No fried chicken, crispy fried wontons or heavy peanut-y dressing here. Just lots of greens and veggies tossed with marinated chicken and almonds, topped with a yummy sesame ginger vinaigrette. Quick, easy, and full of flavor you can feel good about. Just the way I like it.
I vote we leave the number 98 for boy bands. ;)
Lighter Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, shredded
- 4 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup edamame
- 2/3 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- sesame ginger vinaigrette (see ingrediente below)
Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. sriracha chile sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
To Make The Salad:
- Combine chicken breasts, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar in a large bowl or ziplock bag and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Then cut into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, toss together Romaine, red cabbage, edamame, carrots, chicken, chow mein noodles and almonds until combined. Toss with your desired amount of vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
To Make The Vinaigrette:
- Whisk together all ingredients until combined. You can add more sriracha for an extra kick.
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
I love everything about this. I’m always so disappointed to learn how bad restaurant salads are for you…they are supposed to be healthy!
I just about fell out of my chair this morning when I saw you’d commented on my blog. I’ve been reading yours for ages and LOVE it! Thanks for your sweet comment. This looks INCREDIBLE. Can’t wait to try the dressing!
I have had this exact same experience Ali! It’s like, why didn’t I just opt for the double bacon burger with a side of baby back ribs? Your healthy version is so gorgeous, I will *almost* feel bad taking a bite. Key word: almost.
I love this salad! Chinese food is my favorite and I always love a slimmed doen version!
Salads are so easy to go overboard with, and I think I know the one you mean and it’s delicious! Yours looks fantastic, too. The bright colors make it so pretty and I find I really love making my own dressings. I’ll have to try this one!
Aren’t those segments hilarious? This looks to die for!! I make a similar version with rotisserie chicken and lots of fresh Thai basil. It’s usually my Summer lunch staple – so addictive! Love that you added edamame!!
I love Chinese Chicken Salad and this looks fabulous! Love the sesame-ginger vinaigrette! Yum!
YES! this looks so delicious (and is really beautiful, too). I love applebee’s chinese chicken salad, but it is WAY too unhealthy — this looks like a fabulous alternative!
Totally agree – those “healthy” salads at restaurants are all too often not at all healthy! This one looks wonderful – especially love the bright, vibrant colors :)
Oh I so agree with you about most restaurant salads – this beats them hands down!