Zesty Ginger Chicken Salad Delight
Experience a burst of flavors with this Zesty Ginger Chicken Salad Delight, inspired by the famous PF Chang recipe. This refreshing salad combines tender grilled chicken breast with a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a tangy ginger-lime vinaigrette. The natural sweetness from agave nectar and a hint of sesame oil elevate this dish, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Enjoy the harmony of sweet and tart flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
4
Servings
135
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
8 ounces (cut in half lengthwise)
Soy Bean Oil
to taste (for rubbing the chicken)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Green Cabbage
1 ounce (julienned)
Red Cabbage
1 ounce (julienned)
Romaine Lettuce
6 ounces (julienned)
Carrot
1 ounce (julienned)
Japanese Cucumber
1 ounce (julienned)
Ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (for vinaigrette)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (for vinaigrette)
Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon (for vinaigrette)
Agave Nectar
1 tablespoon (for vinaigrette)
Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (for vinaigrette)
Sesame Oil
1/4 teaspoon (optional, for vinaigrette)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts: cut them in half lengthwise and lightly rub with vegetable or soy bean oil. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2
Grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3
While the chicken is resting, julienne the green cabbage, red cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrot, and Japanese cucumber into thin matchstick pieces. Place these vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
4
In a separate bowl, prepare the vinaigrette by combining minced ginger, low sodium soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, agave nectar, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth. Optionally, add the sesame oil to the vinaigrette for an extra layer of flavor.
5
After the chicken has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips that mirror the size of the julienned vegetables.
6
Add the sliced chicken to the bowl of vegetables, and pour 2 1/2 ounces of the ginger vinaigrette over the mixture. Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately with any extra vinaigrette on the side.
Nutrition Information
7
Fat
8.5
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Ginger Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing, PF Chang-inspired salad featuring tender grilled chicken and a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables tossed in a tangy ginger-lime vinaigrette.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 135 calories.
How much protein is provided in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What are the main vegetables used in the salad base?
The salad base consists of green cabbage, red cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrot, and Japanese cucumber.
What ingredients make up the ginger vinaigrette?
The dressing includes minced ginger, low sodium soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, agave nectar, and mayonnaise, with optional sesame oil.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be cut in half lengthwise, rubbed with oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be grilled or pan-seared for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How should the vegetables be cut for this salad?
The vegetables should be julienned into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
What type of sweetener is used in the dressing?
Agave nectar is used to provide a natural sweetness to the vinaigrette.
Is sesame oil required for this recipe?
No, sesame oil is an optional addition to the vinaigrette for an extra layer of flavor.
What kind of cucumber is recommended?
A Japanese cucumber is specified for its texture and flavor.
Should the chicken be sliced immediately after cooking?
No, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it tender.
How much ginger is needed for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced ginger.
What type of vinegar is used in the ginger-lime vinaigrette?
Rice vinegar is used to achieve the desired tanginess.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?
Yes, but you may want to adjust the additional salt seasoning to avoid the dish becoming too salty.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 8.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the best way to slice the chicken for the salad?
Slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips that match the size of the julienned vegetables.
Is mayonnaise a necessary ingredient in the dressing?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise are used to help bind the vinaigrette and add creaminess.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but it is best to toss and serve immediately to maintain the crunch.
What type of lettuce provides the bulk of the greens?
Romaine lettuce is the primary green, with 6 ounces included in the recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a light, low-calorie meal focused on lean protein and fresh vegetables.
How much lime juice is required?
The vinaigrette requires 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
Which oil is best for rubbing the chicken?
Vegetable oil or soy bean oil are both suitable options.
What is the texture of this salad?
It is crunchy due to the raw cabbages and carrots, balanced by the tender grilled chicken.
Can I use honey instead of agave nectar?
Yes, honey can be used as a 1:1 substitute for agave nectar in the dressing.
Is there a recommended way to serve the dressing?
Toss the salad with 2 1/2 ounces of dressing and serve any remaining vinaigrette on the side.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While not specified in the numerical data, the use of cabbage, carrots, and lettuce provides natural dietary fiber.
What makes this salad 'Zesty'?
The combination of fresh ginger, lime juice, and rice vinegar provides a sharp, tangy flavor profile.