Chinese Shredded Chicken And Spinach Salad Recipe

Let’s dive into this vibrant chicken salad that’s like a hug in a bowl—packed with fresh, colorful veggies and a dressing that’s both tangy and sweet.

The flavors and textures in my Chinese Shredded Chicken and Spinach Salad are a vibrant combination. Tender chicken breasts poached with ginger are combined with fresh spinach and the crunch of red bell pepper and carrots.

The dressing is a blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, offering what I consider to be a flavorful and nutritionally packed burst. The final touch, I think, is toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

I prefer a salad garnished with these. They add depth and freshness, making the dish even healthier.

Chinese Shredded Chicken And Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Lean protein source, low in fat, supports muscle growth.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion, adds aromatic heat.
• Sesame oil: Rich in healthy fats, adds nutty flavor, antioxidant properties.
• Soy sauce: Provides umami flavor, adds depth, contains sodium.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, offers antioxidants, balances flavors.
• Spinach: Rich in iron and vitamins, low in calories, high in fiber.
• Red bell pepper: High in vitamin C, adds crunch, provides natural sweetness.
• Green onions: Mild onion flavor, adds freshness, contains vitamins A and C.
• Sesame seeds: Source of healthy fats, calcium-rich, adds texture.

Chinese Shredded Chicken And Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon ginger, thinly sliced
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Chinese Shredded Chicken And Spinach Salad Recipe

1. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the slices of ginger.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the boiling water, bring to a simmer, and then poach for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool.

3. After the chicken has cooled sufficiently to be handled, use your hands or a fork to tear it into thin shreds.

4. Whisk the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (or sugar) together in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and stir until the dressing is well combined.

5. In a big mixing bowl, blend the chicken, spinach, diced red bell pepper, carrot, and sliced green onion.

6. In the large bowl, combine the salad ingredients and the dressing.

7. Combine all ingredients, in a large bowl, until evenly coated with the dressing.

8. Move the salad to a serving plate or serve it in individual portions.

9. Over the salad, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

10. Enjoy this salad as soon as you make it, or pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. It’s a gem of a salad, brimming with colors and flavors.

Chinese Shredded Chicken And Spinach Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Small bowl
3. Whisk
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Fork (optional, for shredding chicken)
8. Serving plate or individual serving bowls

FAQ

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?You can use pre-cooked chicken. Just shred it and add it to the salad with the other ingredients.
• Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?If needed, you can substitute rice vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• How do I toast sesame seeds?To toast sesame seeds, heat them gently in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
• Can this salad be made ahead of time?The chicken and the other components can be prepped in advance, but the salad should be assembled right before serving to ensure the spinach remains crisp.
• Is there an alternative to spinach?You can use other leafy greens, such as kale or arugula, to replace spinach.
• How do I thinly slice ginger?A mandoline or a sharp knife works best for slicing ginger thinly and evenly.
• Can I add other vegetables to the salad?Absolutely! You can throw in other vegetables—like cucumber, cabbage, or bean sprouts—if it suits your palate.

Chinese Shredded Chicken And Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken breasts: For a tender and flavorful alternative, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Sesame oil: If sesame oil is not available, use olive oil or canola oil, although these will impart a different flavor profile.
Tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce, and coconut aminos can be used to achieve a lower-sodium effect.
Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Kale or salad greens can provide a different base in place of spinach.

Pro Tips

1. Enhanced Flavor Broth Consider adding a couple of garlic cloves and a bay leaf to the poaching liquid along with the ginger. This will impart even more flavor to the chicken as it cooks.

2. Maximize Sesame Aroma Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. This will boost their flavor on the finished salad.

3. Texture Contrast For added crunch, include a handful of roasted nuts, such as almonds or cashews, into the salad before serving. This will not only enhance texture but also complement the nutty flavor of the sesame elements.

4. Vegetable Variety Swap or add other vegetables like cucumber or snap peas for extra freshness and crunch. These can enhance the salad’s flavor profile and make it even more vibrant.

5. Served Chilled Prepare the salad in advance and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.