Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients

1. 1 whole rotisserie chicken, torn into shreds (approx. 16 oz / 450g)
2. 0.5 cup raw cashews (2.5 oz / 70g)
3. 2 tbsp. white sesame seeds (0.6 oz / 18g)
4. 2 tbsp. black sesame seeds (0.6 oz / 18g)
5. 0.5 cup chopped cilantro (0.8 oz / 22g)
6. 1 head of Napa cabbage, thinly chopped (20 oz / 567g)
7. 2 cups shredded carrots (7.0 oz / 200g)
8. 5 green onions, chopped, separating green and white parts (0.8 oz / 25g)
9. 1 tsp. paleo-friendly Sriracha (0.2 oz / 5g)
10. 1 tsp. spicy chili oil (0.1 oz / 4g)
11. 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil (0.5 oz / 14g)
12. 2 tbsp. paleo hoisin sauce (1.1 oz / 32g)
13. 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (1.4 oz / 41g)
14. 3 tbsp. finely minced ginger (0.5 oz / 15g)
15. 0.25 cup white wine vinegar (2.0 oz / 59g)
16. 0.25 cup coconut aminos or tamari (2.1 oz / 60g)
17. 0.5 tsp. sea salt (0.1 oz / 3g)

How to Make Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad

1. Make the dressing: In a glass mason jar with a secure lid, combine 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (1.4 oz / 41g), 3 tbsp. finely minced ginger (0.5 oz / 15g), 0.25 cup white wine vinegar (2.0 oz / 59g), 0.25 cup coconut aminos or tamari (2.1 oz / 60g), 1 tsp. Sriracha (0.2 oz / 5g), 2 tbsp. hoisin sauce (1.1 oz / 32g), 1 tsp. spicy chili oil (0.1 oz / 4g), 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil (0.5 oz / 14g), the chopped white parts of the 5 green onions (0.3 oz / 8g), and 0.5 tsp. sea salt (0.1 oz / 3g). Fasten the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well blended, then set aside.
2. Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl or a heavy-duty food storage bag, combine the shredded meat of 1 whole rotisserie chicken (16 oz / 450g), 0.5 cup cashews (2.5 oz / 70g), 2 tbsp. white sesame seeds (0.6 oz / 18g), 2 tbsp. black sesame seeds (0.6 oz / 18g), 0.5 cup chopped cilantro (0.8 oz / 22g), 1 head of thinly chopped Napa cabbage (20 oz / 567g), and 2 cups shredded carrots (7.0 oz / 200g).
3. Toss and assemble: Pour the prepared sesame-ginger dressing over the dry salad ingredients. Shake the bag vigorously or toss well with tongs if using a bowl, ensuring the cabbage, chicken, and cashews are evenly coated.
4. Garnish and serve: Divide the tossed salad evenly into 4 serving bowls. Top with the remaining green parts of the chopped green onions (0.5 oz / 17g) for a fresh garnish, and enjoy immediately!

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (Yields 4 servings)

• Calories: 545 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 35g

Chef’s Pro Tips

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate simple ingredients. Here are my top secrets to making this dish restaurant-quality:

• Toast Your Nuts and Seeds: Even though the recipe calls for raw cashews and standard sesame seeds, lightly toasting them in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the salad will release their essential oils and exponentially deepen their nutty flavor.
• Shred the Chicken While Warm: If you are grabbing a fresh rotisserie chicken from the store, pull the meat off the bone and shred it while it is still warm. The warm chicken absorbs the sesame-ginger dressing much better than cold, refrigerated chicken.
• Dress Right Before Serving: Napa cabbage holds up well, but to get that ultimate crunch, keep your salad base and your dressing in separate containers if you aren't eating it immediately. Toss them together right before you grab your bowl.
• Massage the Cabbage: If you prefer a slightly softer texture to your greens, you can lightly massage the chopped Napa cabbage with a tiny pinch of salt for about a minute before adding the other ingredients. This breaks down the tough fibers slightly, making it easier to chew and digest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time? Yes, this Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad is fantastic for meal prep! To keep the salad crisp and fresh, store the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and cashew mixture in a large, airtight container. Store the paleo sesame-ginger dressing in a separate glass jar. Toss the salad with the dressing immediately before serving.

What can I substitute for the cashews if I have an allergy? If you need an alternative to cashews, sliced almonds or chopped macadamia nuts work beautifully in this recipe. For a completely nut-free option that maintains a great paleo-friendly crunch, try using toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or sliced water chestnuts.

Is this Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad recipe also Keto-friendly? Yes, with a minor adjustment! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, but to make it strictly keto, ensure your hoisin sauce is a certified sugar-free/keto brand, or swap it out entirely for a tablespoon of almond butter to keep the dressing rich and thick without the added carbs.

How long do leftovers last in the refrigerator? When stored properly in an airtight container, the undressed salad base will remain crisp in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The dressing will stay fresh in a sealed mason jar for up to a week. If the salad is already tossed with the dressing, it is best consumed within 24 hours to prevent the Napa cabbage from becoming too soggy.