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Colorful chicken chow mein salad in a white bowl topped with crunchy noodles and roasted peanuts

Chicken Chow Mein Salad

This chicken chow mein salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish that combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade sesame dressing. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, it's sure to impress with its bold flavors and delightful textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 397 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into short strips
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon canola or peanut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 to 4 scallions, sliced
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • Chow mein noodles, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup peanut or canola oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat the sesame oil and canola or peanut oil in a large sauté pan over high heat for 1 minute. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pat dry the chicken strips and season lightly with kosher salt. Add the chicken to the hot pan.
  • Stir-fry the chicken over high heat until fully cooked and golden, about 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the heat of your stove. Set the chicken aside to cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce or Napa cabbage, bell pepper, scallions, carrot, cilantro, and peanuts. Add the cooked chicken on top.
  • Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated. Top with chow mein noodles for an irresistible crunch.

Notes

If you’d like to make this salad ahead for a party or to take for lunch, cook the chicken and assemble all the salad ingredients in a storage container, except for the chow mein noodles. Combine the ingredients for the salad dressing in a separate jam jar. Store everything in the fridge until ready to serve. Just before serving, shake the jam jar to combine the dressing, then toss with the salad.