Ina Garten’s Zesty Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Ina Garten’s Chinese chicken salad bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate, transforming an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables and tender protein mingle in a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired seasonings that awaken every taste bud.

Bright, zesty ingredients create a refreshing dish perfect for warm afternoons or light dinners.

Each carefully selected component contributes a unique texture and depth to the overall experience.

The balanced combination of proteins, vegetables, and rich dressing ensures a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Layers of complexity emerge with every forkful, promising a delightful sensory journey that feels both comforting and exciting: dive in and savor the magic.

Why Chinese Chicken Salad Bursts with Flavor

• Savor Tender, Juicy Chicken: Roasted chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and shredded into delectable bite-sized pieces, ensuring each forkful is packed with moist, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.
• Enjoy Crisp and Colorful Vegetables: Blanched asparagus and vibrant bell peppers add a fresh, crunchy texture and beautiful color to the salad, creating a delightful contrast with the soft chicken.
• Experience Zesty Asian-Inspired Dressing: The homemade dressing brings a tangy, bold flavor profile that ties all the ingredients together, delivering a punch of excitement to your taste buds with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.

The Key Ingredients to a Bold, Crunchy Dish

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main body of the salad, best when fresh and organic for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Asparagus, Bell Peppers, Scallions: Fresh seasonal vegetables that add crunch, color, and nutritional variety to the salad.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps blend flavors and provides healthy fat.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Sesame Seeds: Nutty topping that adds texture and subtle Asian-inspired flavor, best when lightly toasted for extra aroma.

• Vinegar or Citrus Juice: Bright acidic element that balances the richness of chicken and provides tangy undertone.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Classic Chinese-inspired seasonings that bring depth and authentic taste to the salad.

How to Toss a Flavor-Packed Asian-Inspired Bowl

Step 1: Roast Succulent Chicken

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bake until internal temperature hits 165°F, around 35-40 minutes.

Step 2: Shred and Transform Chicken

Let chicken cool completely. Tear into delectable bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones.

Step 3: Prepare Crisp Asparagus

Boil salted water. Submerge asparagus for 3-5 minutes until vibrant and tender. Shock in ice bath to halt cooking. Drain thoroughly.

Step 4: Chop Colorful Companions

• Shredded chicken
• Blanched asparagus
• Sliced bell peppers

Step 5: Craft Zesty Dressing

Whisk together dressing components until silky smooth.

Step 6: Marry Flavors

Drizzle dressing over salad. Toss gently to ensure even coating. Season to taste.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sliced scallions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad

• Perfectly Poach Chicken: Gently simmer the chicken in liquid to keep it tender and juicy, preventing dryness and ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Maximize Sesame Seed Crunch: Carefully toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant, releasing their nutty essence and adding delightful texture to the salad.
• Balance Dressing Flavors: Taste and adjust the dressing gradually, blending soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until you achieve a harmonious sweet-tangy-savory profile.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop a more intense, well-rounded taste.
• Prep Ahead for Convenience: Cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately to assemble a quick and fresh salad when you're ready to eat.

How to Store Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad for Freshness

• Sealed Container Method: Transfer the salad to an airtight glass container with a secure lid. Glass prevents flavor absorption and maintains freshness better than plastic containers.
• Dressing Separation Method: Store the chicken, vegetables, and dressing separately to preserve crispness. Keep crunchy ingredients like almonds and cabbage in one container, cooked chicken in another, and dressing in a sealed jar for maximum texture retention.
• Temperature Control Method: Refrigerate immediately after preparing and consume within 48 hours for optimal taste and food safety. Position the container in the coolest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to maintain consistent temperature and prevent potential bacterial growth.

Tasty Twists on Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad

• Spicy Asian Fusion Remix: Add sriracha and ginger to the dressing for a fiery kick. Incorporate diced jalapeños and replace bell peppers with crunchy radishes for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Swap chicken with grilled lamb. Use oregano and mint in the dressing. Replace asparagus with roasted zucchini and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Summer Citrus Refresh: Incorporate orange and lime zest into the dressing. Add mandarin orange segments and replace asparagus with crisp cucumber. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top for texture and nutty flavor.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a more substantial meal by adding quinoa as a base. Include edamame and hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Drizzle with a sesame-soy dressing and garnish with microgreens.

Wrapping Up Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s Chinese chicken salad, a symphony of flavors dancing across palates.

Succulent roasted chicken mingles with crisp asparagus, creating a refreshing medley that transports taste buds to new heights.

Zesty dressing adds complexity, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Scallions and sesame seeds provide elegant finishing touches, elevating this dish from ordinary to remarkable.

Home cooks can master this recipe with confidence, embracing each carefully crafted step.

When you serve this salad, anticipate delighted smiles, enthusiastic compliments, and requests for seconds – so snap a photo, share the recipe, and spread culinary joy with fellow food enthusiasts.

Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Chinese Chicken Salad blends zesty Asian-inspired flavors with fresh, crisp ingredients. Crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing create a refreshing meal you can savor any day of the week.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)

Vegetables:

• ½ pound asparagus, ends removed, cut in thirds diagonally
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
• 2 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup good apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Arrange chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Massage each breast with extra virgin olive oil, then generously sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), guaranteeing safe and juicy meat.
4. Transfer chicken from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes, which helps retain moisture. Using two forks, carefully shred the meat into uniform bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones.
5. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add fresh asparagus and blanch for 3 to 5 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender.
6. Immediately plunge blanched asparagus into an ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve their bright color and crisp texture. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
7. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, blanched asparagus, and thinly sliced bell peppers, creating a colorful and textural base.
8. Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth and well-integrated, ensuring no separate oil or vinegar layers remain.
9. Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
10. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature for a refreshing and nutritious meal.

Notes

• Chill the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
• Adjust the dressing seasonings carefully, tasting as you go to balance the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar perfectly.
• Gently toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden, releasing their nutty flavor and adding a delightful crunch.
• Cook chicken precisely to 165°F (74°C), checking with a meat thermometer to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick and easy assembly when you’re ready to enjoy the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg