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This Asian chicken salad combines crunchy textures with juicy teriyaki-marinated chicken and a silky peanut dressing that brings everything together perfectly. It's a colorful dish that's impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners when you prep ahead.
I first made this for a summer gathering when I wanted something lighter than typical barbecue fare. The empty bowl at the end of the night told me everything I needed to know this would become a regular in my rotation.
Ingredients
- Marketside Antibiotic Free Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Provide juicy flavor and don't dry out when grilled. Dark meat stands up beautifully to the bold marinade.
- Teriyaki sauce: Creates the perfect flavor foundation and tenderizes the chicken during marination. Look for a good quality bottle or make your own.
- Fresh romaine lettuce: Offers the perfect crisp base that holds up to the other ingredients without wilting.
- Red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and satisfying crunch. Select a firm tight head for maximum freshness.
- Julienned carrots: Contribute sweetness and texture. Buy precut to save time or julienne yourself for the freshest flavor.
- Crunchy chow mein noodles: Provide that irresistible crackly texture element that makes this salad special.
- Mandarin oranges: Bring bursts of juicy sweetness. The canned variety works perfectly here and requires no prep.
- Roasted cashews: Add richness and substance. Toast them lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Brighten the entire dish with herbaceous notes.
- Green onions: Provide a mild bite and color contrast. Use both white and green parts.
- Peanut butter: Creates the creamy base for the unforgettable dressing. Natural varieties work best.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth to the dressing. Low sodium allows you to control the salt level.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brings necessary acidity to balance the rich peanut flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Dressing:
- Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, garlic and warm water in a small bowl. The warm water helps everything blend smoothly. Whisk until completely smooth and no peanut butter lumps remain. Refrigerate until ready to use allowing flavors to meld.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour teriyaki sauce over them. Ensure each piece is fully coated by gently massaging the bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration. Turn occasionally if possible for even marination.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat ensuring grates are clean. Remove chicken from marinade allowing excess to drip off. Brush with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill approximately 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The caramelization from the teriyaki creates beautiful grill marks and flavor.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken:
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps juices from running out and ensures moist meat. Slice against the grain into strips about half inch thick for optimal texture and presentation.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl place chopped romaine first as your foundation. Layer in the red cabbage carrots and sliced chicken. Sprinkle with chow mein noodles mandarin oranges cashews cilantro and green onions creating a visually appealing presentation.
- Dress and Serve:
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over the entire salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat ingredients without crushing the delicate components. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and the chow mein noodles maintain their crunch.
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The mandarin oranges might seem like an unusual addition but trust me they provide little bursts of sweetness that perfectly balance the savory chicken and nutty dressing. My daughter initially picked them out but now requests extra whenever I make this salad.
Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is perfect for advance preparation with a few strategic steps. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and grill it up to a day before serving. The peanut dressing can be made 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator you may need to whisk it again or add a splash of warm water before serving if it thickens too much. Prep all vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply assemble the components keeping the crunchy elements like chow mein noodles and cashews separate until the last minute.
Customization Options
The beauty of this Asian chicken salad lies in its adaptability. For a vegetarian version substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same teriyaki sauce. Add edamame for extra protein. For a spicier kick incorporate sliced serrano peppers or a tablespoon of sriracha into the peanut dressing. Snow peas water chestnuts or thinly sliced bell peppers make excellent additions to the vegetable mix. For a lower carb option skip the chow mein noodles and increase the nuts for crunch or use crispy cucumber slices.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad works beautifully as a standalone meal but also pairs well with specific accompaniments. Serve with a side of miso soup for a complete Asian inspired meal. For entertaining place the components separately on a large platter allowing guests to build their own bowls. This creates a stunning presentation and accommodates dietary preferences. To transform it into party food serve smaller portions in lettuce cups as handheld appetizers. For a refreshing beverage pairing try an iced green tea with mint or a crisp lemongrass ginger spritzer.
Cultural Context
This salad represents a delicious fusion of Asian flavors and American presentation. Traditional Chinese chicken salads emerged in California in the mid20th century blending Chinese ingredients with American salad concepts. The peanut dressing draws inspiration from Thai cuisine while the teriyaki marinade has Japanese roots. While not strictly authentic to any single cuisine this salad respectfully combines diverse Asian culinary elements creating a harmonious and accessible dish that showcases how food cultures naturally blend and evolve through cultural exchange and appreciation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 2 hours, and grill it at medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → Can I use store-bought peanut dressing?
Yes, a store-bought peanut dressing can save time, but making it fresh adds a unique homemade flavor.
- → What’s the crunch element in this dish?
Crunchy chow mein noodles and roasted cashews provide the perfect textural balance.
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare and store the components separately, but toss the dressing only before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What are good substitutions for mandarin oranges?
Slices of fresh orange, grapefruit, or even pineapple chunks can add a similar citrusy sweetness.
- → Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option, while keeping the other elements the same.