Ina Garten’s Irresistible Chinese Chicken Salad: An Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Delight

There are some recipes that just instantly capture your heart (and your taste buds), and for me, Ina Garten’s Chinese Chicken Salad has officially become one of them. From the very first bite, I was completely captivated by its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. I genuinely had no idea it would be this incredibly good! It’s one of those dishes that makes you wonder where it’s been all your life, quickly earning a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire for its perfect blend of freshness, crunch, and a truly addictive dressing.

I recently whipped up this fantastic salad for a delightful dinner with a friend, and it was an absolute hit with both of us. We opted to serve it over a generous bed of fresh, tender spinach leaves, which proved to be the perfect light and healthy base for a delightful weeknight meal. The combination was simply impeccable – crisp, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful, making it feel like a restaurant-quality dish made right at home. What truly surprised me was how even better the leftovers were the next day for lunch. Sometimes salads can get a bit soggy, but this one held up beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld even further and making it an ideal candidate for efficient meal prep throughout the week.

Effortless Preparation for Maximum Flavor

One of the best aspects of this Chinese Chicken Salad is how surprisingly easy it is to assemble, especially with a little bit of foresight and strategic planning. I like to get a head start on some of the components to make dinner time a breeze. On the day I planned to make it, I roasted the chicken earlier in the afternoon. This way, by the time dinner rolled around, the chicken was perfectly cooked, cooled to a manageable temperature, and ready to be effortlessly shredded into succulent, bite-sized pieces. Roasting the chicken ahead of time not only saves precious minutes during the evening rush but also allows the chicken to cool completely, making it much easier to handle and shred without burning your fingers.

Similarly, I blanched the fresh asparagus at the same time I was preparing the chicken. Blanching is a simple yet effective technique that involves quickly cooking vegetables in a pot of boiling salted water for a brief period, then immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This preserves their vibrant green color and ensures they retain a delightful crisp-tender texture, preventing them from becoming mushy. Once blanched and chilled, I simply kept the asparagus in the fridge, perfectly prepped and ready for when it was time to toss the final salad. These small steps of advanced preparation make the entire process feel effortless and stress-free, proving that even gourmet-tasting meals can be convenient for busy schedules.

The Star of the Show: A Homemade Sesame-Peanut Dressing

While the fresh ingredients in the salad – the tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and sweet bell pepper – are undeniably delicious, it’s truly the dressing that elevates this dish to gourmet status. Crafting this incredible dressing was an absolute breeze to throw together – seriously, it took mere minutes! I’m a huge advocate for making my own fresh salad dressings whenever possible. The difference in flavor, freshness, and quality compared to most store-bought varieties is immense, offering a brightness and depth that simply can’t be matched. This particular dressing, with its enticing blend of savory soy sauce, aromatic dark sesame oil, a touch of sweet honey, pungent minced garlic, zesty freshly grated ginger, and a hint of creamy peanut butter, is simply divine. It strikes a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, coating every ingredient in a rich, aromatic, and utterly addictive glaze.

Before preparing this salad, I had considered a couple of different serving options to complement its robust flavors. My initial thoughts drifted towards serving it over some cold sesame noodles for an extra layer of Asian-inspired indulgence, or even tucked inside a warm pita pocket for a convenient handheld meal. However, the simplicity and refreshing quality of fresh spinach leaves ultimately won out. They provided an ideal, low-carb foundation that perfectly complemented the robust flavors of the chicken and vegetables without overpowering them, solidifying its place as a fantastic, well-rounded dinner salad that feels both light and satisfying.

A Shout-Out to the Barefoot Bloggers Community

This wonderful recipe came to me through the vibrant Barefoot Bloggers community, and I owe a huge thank you to Kenzie over at Kenzie’s Kitchen for choosing this month’s featured recipe. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Kenzie’s blog, I highly recommend checking it out for more culinary inspiration and delightful recipes! The Barefoot Bloggers are a passionate and thriving group of home cooks and bakers brought together by a shared love for the incredibly talented and iconic Ina Garten. Our mission, as a community, is to regularly test out her always fantastic and approachable recipes, sharing our honest experiences, tips, and insights along the way. It’s a fantastic way to explore new dishes, hone your cooking skills, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts who appreciate the joy of good food. We are always thrilled to welcome new members into our fold, so if you’re a fan of Ina Garten’s elegant yet easy-to-follow cooking style, we warmly invite you to come join us and embark on your own Barefoot Contessa culinary adventures!

Print Recipe

Ina Garten’s Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

4 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on) – (Note: I successfully used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter, quicker preparation, which worked wonderfully!)
Good quality olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, with tough ends removed, and cut into thirds diagonally for visual appeal and even cooking
1 vibrant red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced into elegant strips
2 scallions (both white and green parts), thinly sliced diagonally for both flavor and an attractive garnish
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, lightly toasted to bring out their nutty aroma and add texture

For the Irresistible Sesame-Peanut Dressing:

1/2 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil like grapeseed or canola)
1/4 cup good quality apple cider vinegar, for a bright and tangy kick
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium is a great option for controlling saltiness)
1 1/2 tablespoons dark sesame oil, for its distinct nutty fragrance and depth of flavor
1/2 tablespoon honey, to delicately balance the savory notes with a touch of natural sweetness
1 clove garlic, finely minced, for aromatic depth and a subtle pungent kick
1/2 teaspoon peeled and freshly grated fresh ginger, adding a zingy freshness and warmth
1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted, adding both texture and another layer of nutty flavor to the dressing
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, for creamy richness and a delightful nutty backbone
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or adjust to your personal preference
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or adjust to your personal preference

Directions for Preparing Your Perfect Chinese Chicken Salad:

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to a moderate 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Arrange the chicken breasts (whether bone-in, skin-on, or boneless, skinless) on a sturdy sheet pan. Drizzle them generously with good quality olive oil, ensuring they are lightly coated, then sprinkle liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Roast the chicken for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is just cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Once cooked, remove from the oven and set aside, allowing it to cool completely until it’s comfortable enough to handle. If using bone-in, skin-on breasts, carefully remove the meat from the bones and discard the skin. Shred the chicken into large, appealing bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
Blanch the Asparagus: While the chicken cools, bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the prepared asparagus pieces and blanch them for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their thickness. You want them to be crisp-tender, still holding a slight bite but no longer raw. Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus using a slotted spoon or tongs into a large bowl filled with ice water. This crucial step, known as shocking, halts the cooking process and locks in that beautiful green color and firm texture. Once completely chilled, drain the asparagus thoroughly and pat dry.
Prepare Remaining Vegetables & Combine: Take your vibrant red bell pepper and carefully cut it into thin strips that are roughly the same size as your blanched asparagus pieces. This uniformity makes for a more aesthetically pleasing salad and ensures even distribution of flavors and textures. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled shredded chicken, the blanched and drained asparagus, and the freshly sliced bell peppers.
Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing: vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, dark sesame oil, honey, finely minced garlic, freshly grated fresh ginger, toasted sesame seeds, smooth peanut butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously (or shake the jar) until the dressing is completely emulsified and smooth. The peanut butter will help thicken it slightly, creating a luxurious, cohesive consistency that clings beautifully to the salad ingredients.
Dress and Serve: Pour the freshly made dressing generously over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Add the diagonally sliced scallions and the remaining toasted sesame seeds. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the delicious and aromatic dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed – you might find it benefits from a touch more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. Serve this magnificent Chinese Chicken Salad cold or at room temperature, perhaps over a bed of fresh spinach or your chosen base, as a delightful and satisfying main course.

Recipe adapted from Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa Parties!” cookbook, and also featured on Food Network

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Tips for Success and Delicious Variations to Explore

This Chinese Chicken Salad is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some additional tips and creative variations to make this recipe your own:

Chicken Preparation Flexibility: While the original recipe suggests bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for maximum flavor, don’t hesitate to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner and quicker preparation. You can also utilize pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal – simply shred it and skip the roasting step entirely. For a vegetarian option, consider using pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
Meal Prep Perfection: This salad is truly fantastic for efficient meal prepping. You can roast the chicken and blanch the asparagus a day or two in advance. Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing and store it in a separate sealed jar. When ready to serve, simply combine all components, dress, and enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat and an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing mixture. A dash of Sriracha or a few drops of chili oil can also introduce a delightful warmth.
Add More Crunch and Texture: Toasted slivered almonds, chopped roasted peanuts, crispy fried onions, or crunchy chow mein noodles can add an extra layer of delightful texture and flavor to the salad, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Fruity Twist: A handful of sweet and tangy mandarin orange segments can add a wonderful burst of freshness and a delicate sweetness that beautifully complements the Asian-inspired flavors of the dressing.
Explore Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other crisp and colorful vegetables. Shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumbers, vibrant snow peas, or even finely chopped Napa cabbage would be excellent additions, adding more nutrients and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Spinach: While spinach provides a wonderful, light base, consider serving this salad in crisp lettuce wraps (like butter lettuce or endive leaves) for a fun, interactive meal. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or nutty brown rice for a heartier, more substantial meal, or as previously suggested, with cold sesame noodles for a complete and indulgent flavor adventure.

Why Ina Garten’s Recipes Always Shine

Ina Garten, famously known as the “Barefoot Contessa,” has built a beloved culinary empire on the foundation of elegant simplicity and unwavering quality. Her recipes are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, her unwavering commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients, and straightforward techniques that consistently deliver spectacular and sophisticated results. What makes her cooking so universally loved and approachable is her remarkable ability to demystify seemingly complex flavors, making them entirely accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. This Chinese Chicken Salad is a prime example of her culinary genius: a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, combined with satisfying textures, all achievable with minimal fuss and readily available ingredients. Her emphasis on “good ingredients” truly makes an undeniable difference, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary dining experiences that are both comforting and memorable. It’s no wonder so many, including the enthusiastic Barefoot Bloggers community, are dedicated to exploring and celebrating her extensive collection of delicious and foolproof dishes.

If you’re searching for a refreshing, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for a light dinner, a satisfying and energizing lunch, or even a show-stopping potluck contribution, Ina Garten’s Chinese Chicken Salad is an absolute must-try. Its ease of preparation, incredible versatility, and truly delicious taste make it a recipe you’ll find yourself revisiting and craving again and again. Give it a go, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be utterly amazed by this delightful culinary creation!

PS…Stay tuned! I will be posting my Craving Ellie in my Belly recipe tomorrow…it’s dinner tonight!! Make sure to check back for more exciting recipes and culinary adventures!