Fresh • High-Protein • Meal Prep Friendly • Alpha-Gal Friendly
This Chinese-Inspired Chicken Salad is packed with colorful vegetables, lean chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, and a light homemade sesame dressing for a refreshing meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for lunches, meal prep, or warm summer dinners.
Unlike many restaurant versions, this salad skips the fried noodles and heavy sugary dressings while still delivering plenty of texture and bold flavor. This recipe is dairy-free and nut-free so it is perfect for people who struggle with multiple food allergies and the overwhelm of trying to figure out what to eat!
Estimated Cost (Based on Average Grocery Prices)
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Napa or green cabbage | $1.50 |
| Red cabbage | $0.75 |
| Shredded carrots | $0.75 |
| Sugar snap peas | $2.50 |
| Cooked shredded chicken | $4.50 |
| Mandarin oranges | $2.00 |
| Fresh cilantro | $1.25 |
| Pumpkin Seeds | $1.25 |
| Rice vinegar | $0.30 |
| sesame oil | $0.75 |
| Coconut aminos | $0.75 |
| Olive oil | $0.30 |
| Ground ginger and garlic powder | $0.20 |
Total Recipe Cost: ~$16.80
Servings: 4 (about 2 cups each)
Cost per serving: $4.20
Where the Nutrition Comes From
- Chicken Breast: Provides lean, complete protein that supports muscle repair, immune function, and long-lasting fullness.
- Cabbage, Carrots & Sugar Snap Peas: Provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support digestive and immune health.
- Mandarin Oranges: Add natural sweetness, vitamin C, potassium, and quick carbohydrates for energy.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Provide heart-healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and a satisfying crunch.
- Coconut Aminos: Offer a slightly sweet, lower-sodium alternative to traditional soy sauce while adding savory umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this salad with:
- Brown rice or quinoa for extra carbohydrates
- Whole grain crackers
- Fresh fruit
- Edamame
- A side of vegetable soup
- Whole wheat pita bread
Why We Think You’ll Love This Recipe!
✔ High in lean protein
✔ Packed with colorful vegetables
✔ Dairy-free, alpha-gal friendly and nut-free
✔ Great for meal prep lunches
✔ Ready in about 20 minutes
Check out the recipe below:
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Chinese-Inspired Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, coconut aminos, olive oil, ginger, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Cut up all of the vegetables.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, sugar snap peas, green onions, shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, cilantro, and pumpkin seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 462 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For the freshest texture, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
- If meal prepping, add the pumpkin seeds immediately before serving to keep them crunchy.
