Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce wraps made with a fantastic chicken salad base with tons of flavor! Oriental chicken salad loaded with protein & vegetables perfect for lunch!
These Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. With a combination of fresh vegetables, protein-packed chicken, and a tangy Asian sesame dressing, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful. The addition of mandarin oranges adds a sweet and citrusy twist to the salad, making it a perfect summer dish.
Asian Chicken Salad Ingredients
Chicken
The main ingredient of Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is diced cooked chicken. It is recommended to use 2 cups of chicken to make the salad.
Vegetables
The vegetables in this recipe provide a variety of flavors and textures. Shelled edamame, matchstick carrots, and thinly sliced purple cabbage (optional) are used to add crunch and color to the salad. Additionally, water chestnuts are included for their unique texture and flavor.
Dressing
The dressing for the salad is a combination of plain yogurt or sour cream and Asian sesame dressing. This mixture creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
Fruits
Mandarin oranges are added to the salad to provide a burst of sweetness and acidity. The oranges are added last to prevent them from breaking apart during mixing.
Nuts
Salted cashews are used to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad. The cashews are added towards the end of the mixing process to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and healthy salad that can be served in a wrap, on fresh lettuce, or even on crackers. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Make Asian Chicken Salad
Preparing an Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce wrap is a simple and straightforward process that involves preparing the vegetables, mixing the ingredients, serving the salad, and storing the leftovers.
Preparing Vegetables
To prepare the vegetables, start by dicing two cups of cooked chicken and shelling half a cup of edamame. Next, slice a quarter cup of matchstick carrots and thinly slice a quarter cup of purple cabbage (optional). Drain an 11 oz can of mandarin oranges and set aside. Open an 8 oz can of water chestnuts and rinse them under cold water. Finally, chop two tablespoons of salted cashews and set aside.
Mixing Ingredients
Once all the vegetables are prepared, combine them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add a quarter cup of plain yogurt or sour cream and a quarter cup of Asian sesame dressing. Season with dashes of salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined. Gently fold in the mandarin oranges last.
Serving Suggestions
To serve the chicken salad, place it in a wrap or on fresh lettuce leaves. Top with toasted sesame seeds. For a lighter option, serve it on crackers for lunch or as an appetizer.
How to Store Chicken Salad
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It is important to keep the salad in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
In summary, preparing an Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce wrap is a quick and easy process that involves preparing the vegetables, mixing the ingredients, serving the salad, and storing the leftovers. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce wraps
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- ½ cup shelled edamame
- ¼ cup matchstick carrots
- ¼ cup thinly sliced purple cabbage optional
- 8 oz water chestnuts drained
- 2 TBSP salted cashews
- ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup Asian sesame dressing
- 11 oz mandarin oranges drained
- dashes of salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare fruits and vegetables, slicing and/or dicing & draining as needed.
- Combine everything except the mandarin oranges in a medium sized mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed. Gently fold in the oranges last.
- Serve chicken salad in a wrap or on fresh lettuce. Top with toasted sesame seeds. You can even serve it on crackers for lunch or as an appetizer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Chicken salad will last for a week if kept in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
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Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
When it comes to freezing chicken salad, it is important to consider the ingredients used. While some ingredients freeze well, others do not. For instance, mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when frozen and thawed. This can affect the texture and taste of the salad.
However, this Asian chicken salad recipe uses plain yogurt or sour cream as the dressing base, which can freeze well. The vegetables and fruits used in the salad, such as edamame, carrots, cabbage, water chestnuts, and mandarin oranges, also freeze well.
To freeze the chicken salad, it is best to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container. Label the container with the date and contents.
When ready to use, thaw the chicken salad in the fridge overnight. Do not thaw it at room temperature, as this can cause bacterial growth. Once thawed, give the salad a good stir to redistribute any separated dressing.
It is important to note that freezing and thawing can affect the texture and taste of the salad. The vegetables may become softer, and the dressing may not be as creamy. However, the flavors should still be intact.
Overall, while freezing chicken salad is possible, it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
When it comes to making Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, there are a few frequently asked questions that people tend to have. Here are some answers to help make your experience with this recipe as smooth as possible.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, it is recommended that you store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious taste. Additionally, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I Substitute Any of the Ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute some of the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use tofu instead of chicken to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly. You can also substitute the yogurt or sour cream with a non-dairy alternative to make it dairy-free.
How Do I Serve This Recipe?
You can serve this recipe in a variety of ways. The most common way is to use lettuce leaves as a wrap and fill them with the chicken salad. You can also serve it on crackers for lunch or as an appetizer. Additionally, you can use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-fat yogurt or sour cream instead of the full-fat versions. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of the Asian sesame dressing to reduce the sodium content. Additionally, you can add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers, to increase the nutritional value.
Variations on this Chicken Salad Recipe
There are many ways to customize this Asian Chicken Salad recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Swap Out the Protein
While this recipe calls for chicken, you could easily substitute it with another protein source. Try using cooked shrimp, tofu, or even canned tuna instead.
Add More Veggies
Feel free to add more vegetables to this recipe to boost its nutritional value. Some great options include diced bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, or shredded kale or Brussels sprouts.
Change Up the Dressing
If you’re not a fan of Asian sesame dressing, you can swap it out for another dressing that you prefer. Consider using a ginger dressing or a sweet chili sauce instead.
Make it Spicier
If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes to the chicken salad mixture.
Serve it Differently
While this recipe suggests serving the chicken salad in lettuce wraps, there are many other ways to enjoy it. Consider serving it on top of a bed of mixed greens, or using it as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.
Make it Vegan
To make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the chicken and yogurt for plant-based alternatives. Try using chickpeas or tempeh instead of chicken, and coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream instead of dairy-based yogurt.
Overall, this Asian Chicken Salad recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
More Chicken Salad recipes:
- CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND PECANS
- AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD
- RASPBERRY POPPY SEED BACON CHICKEN SALAD
- GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD WITH PESTO RANCH DRESSING
- CRAZY AMAZING 5-MINUTE CHICKEN SALAD
- CHICKEN SALAD & APPLES
- CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
- SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
- Cold Chicken Pasta Salad with Mayo
- FIESTA RANCH CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
- CHICKEN BLT SALAD
- ASIAN CHICKEN & NOODLE SALAD
Overall, Asian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a simple and tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal. With a variety of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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