The Perfect Keto-Friendly Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a keto-friendly Chinese chicken salad brings a burst of vibrant flavors to your dinner table.

Light and crisp ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend.

My kitchen adventures often lead to unexpected culinary discoveries that surprise and delight.

Crunchy cabbage mingles with tender chicken, creating a low-carb masterpiece that satisfies serious cravings.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this dish proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.

Each forkful promises a refreshing twist on traditional asian-inspired salads.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular meal that will make you forget you’re following a strict diet.

Why Keto Chinese Chicken Salad Is a Delicious Choice

• Kickstart Keto Journey: Satisfy your Chinese cuisine cravings while staying true to low-carb goals with this innovative salad that transforms traditional flavors into a diet-friendly masterpiece.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vibrant vegetables, and healthy fats from sesame oil, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports wellness without compromising taste.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal cooking required means you can assemble this restaurant-quality dish in minutes, perfect for busy professionals or health-conscious home cooks seeking speedy nutrition.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for meal prep, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad appeals to diverse dietary needs while offering a fresh twist on classic Asian-inspired cuisine.

Ingredients for Keto Chinese Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the main component of the salad and provides a filling base.

• Cabbage, Bell Pepper, Carrots, Cilantro: Crisp vegetables that add texture, color, and nutritional value to the salad.

• Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos), Lime Juice: Flavorful liquid ingredients that create a tangy and aromatic dressing for the salad.

• Peanuts: Crunchy topping that adds a nutty flavor and extra texture to the dish.

How to Make Keto Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Chicken

Grill or poach chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature. Let the chicken cool completely, then slice it into thin, tender strips that will complement the salad’s texture.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Vibrant Vegetables

Finely chop the cabbage into delicate ribbons, shred carrots into light, airy strands, and slice bell peppers into crisp, colorful pieces. Chop fresh cilantro to add a burst of herbal brightness.

Step 3: Blend Chicken and Vegetables

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with the prepared vegetables and cilantro. Gently mix the ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• Fresh lime juice

Taste and adjust the seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of tangy and savory notes.

Step 5: Toss and Coat

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture.

Use a light touch to toss the ingredients, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top.

Serve the salad immediately while fresh and cool, or chill for a refreshing meal later.

Tips for Keto Chinese Chicken Salad Success

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F (75C) for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
• Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly to create balanced texture and even dressing distribution in every bite.
• Taste and adjust dressing ingredients gradually, adding more lime juice or sesame oil to match your preferred flavor intensity.
• Replace traditional peanuts with sliced almonds or sunflower seeds to maintain keto-friendly macronutrient profile while adding crunch.
• Let salad rest in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and enhance overall taste.

Variations for Keto Chinese Chicken Salad

• Low-Carb Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon for a marine protein boost while maintaining keto requirements.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same dressing for added flavor and maintaining the salad's nutritional profile.
• Nut-Free Option: Remove peanuts and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch and texture without compromising the salad's overall taste.
• Dairy-Free Asian Fusion: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with additional dietary restrictions.

Pairings for Keto Chinese Chicken Salad

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the salad’s tangy dressing and fresh vegetables, cutting through the richness of the chicken.

Brew a light, refreshing green tea to balance the salad’s savory flavors and provide a cleansing palate experience.

Add a slice of lime to sparkling water for a zero-calorie, refreshing drink that echoes the salad’s citrusy notes.

Serve alongside quick pickled cucumber sticks to add extra crunch and a zesty counterpoint to the main dish.

How to Store Keto Chinese Chicken Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Preserve chicken, vegetables, and dressing in individual containers to maintain crisp texture and freshness.
• Warm chicken briefly in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Let chilled salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften vegetables slightly.

FAQs

• Is this salad really keto-friendly?

Yes, this salad is specifically designed for keto diets. It uses low-carb vegetables like cabbage and bell peppers, and includes high-fat ingredients like sesame oil and optional peanuts, making it perfect for maintaining ketosis.

• Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even canned tuna for a different protein source while keeping the keto-friendly profile.

• What makes the dressing special in this recipe?

The dressing combines sesame oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and lime juice, creating a tangy, umami-rich flavor that enhances the entire salad without adding unnecessary carbs.

Keto-Friendly Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy keto-friendly Chinese chicken salad delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors with minimal carbs. Crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and zesty dressing create a delightful low-carb meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) green cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) carrots, shredded
• 1 bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing and Garnish:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) crushed peanuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by grilling or poaching until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), then let it cool completely before slicing into thin strips.
2. Finely shred cabbage, julienne carrots, and thinly slice bell peppers into uniform pieces.
3. Chop fresh cilantro into small, delicate fragments for enhanced flavor distribution.
4. Combine sliced chicken, prepared vegetables, and chopped cilantro in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Create dressing by vigorously whisking sesame oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and freshly squeezed lime juice until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad components and gently toss to ensure even coating and flavor absorption.
7. Optional: Garnish with crushed peanuts for added crunch and nutty undertone just before serving.
8. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Perfectly cook chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F (75C) for juicy, tender results.
• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in a blend of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse more depth.
• Customize the salad for different dietary needs by substituting chicken with tofu or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein option.
• Keep the salad crisp by preparing vegetables just before serving and storing dressing separately to prevent wilting and maintain fresh texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 399 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg