Paleo Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad
A Chinese-inspired Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad with sesame vinaigrette dressing. Whole30 friendly
A Chinese-inspired Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad with sesame vinaigrette dressing. Whole30 friendly
- 1 large garlic clove (minced)
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 3/4 lbs chicken thighs (boneless skinless) alt. chicken breasts
- 2 1/2 cups carrots julienned (about 1 large carrot)
- salt garlic, onion, sweet paprika powder (, lightly sprinkle over bo
- 8 cups savoy cabbage ( cored and thinly sliced alt. nappa cabbage)
- small handful red cabbage (cored and thinly slice
- sugar snap peas or snow peas roughly chopped & almond slices, as much as you like
- 2 slices ginger (finely chopped)
- 2 bulbs scallions (chopped. separate white & green p
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional (, optional)
- half one whole star anise ((or â…› tsp five spice p
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar ((or 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar))
- Carbohydrate 4.9809114336069 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.1265418727419 g
- Fiber 1.4456520799288 g
- Protein 0.484154887941919 g
- Saturated Fat 1.29782779825784 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (193g)
- Sodium 35.4740325126262 mg
- Sugar 3.53525935367809 g
- Trans Fat 0.433901833189784 g
- Calories 101 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, garlic, onion, and sweet paprika powder on both sides.
- Pan fry them with 1 tbsp ghee until both sides are golden brown and cooked through. Lightly cover with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics with 1 tbsp ghee. Season with a small pinch of salt. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 10 secs).
- Add thin sliced savoy cabbage and julienned carrots. Lightly toss them a few times until the vegetables turn slightly softer yet still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare dressing. Taste and see if more vinegar is needed.
- Combine sauteed veggies with thin sliced red cabbage, chopped sugar snap peas, almond slices, and sliced chicken.
- Pour dressing over. Give a quick toss and serve.
Paleo Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad: A Busy Mom's Quick and Healthy Meal
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, finding time for healthy, delicious meals often feels impossible. But I've discovered the secret to quick and nutritious dinners that don't compromise on flavor: this Paleo Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad. It's become a staple in our household, a lifesaver on those evenings when I'm short on time but still want to nourish my family with something wholesome.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I often adapt it based on what fresh vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra snap peas, other times I throw in some shredded bell peppers. The sesame vinaigrette dressing is the star, adding a delightful tangy-sweet flavor that complements the crisp cabbage and tender chicken perfectly. It's incredibly versatile; I've even been known to use leftover grilled chicken from the previous night, making it even faster to prepare!
What makes this salad so special? Firstly, it's incredibly fast to prepare. The chicken can be cooked ahead of time, and the vegetables require minimal prep. Secondly, it's packed with nutrients. Cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the sesame vinaigrette adds a healthy dose of beneficial fats. Finally, and this is crucial for me as a busy mom, it's incredibly satisfying. The combination of textures and flavors is so pleasing that it leaves me feeling full and energized, not sluggish and ready for a nap. This is a meal that keeps me going throughout the afternoon without the dreaded afternoon slump.
This salad isn't just for weeknights, either. It's equally delicious for lunch, making it a perfect meal prep option. I often make a large batch on the weekend and pack individual containers for lunch throughout the week. This eliminates the stress of lunchtime decisions and keeps me on track with my healthy eating goals. It’s so refreshing and satisfying – perfect for a packed lunch on a warm day.
The recipe itself is easily adjustable to suit different dietary needs. If you're not following a Paleo diet, you can easily substitute ingredients to fit your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables, nuts, or seeds to increase the nutritional value and add variety. The possibilities are truly endless.
Beyond its practicality, this salad has become a symbol of my commitment to creating a healthy and happy family life. It’s a testament to the fact that nourishing meals don’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. It's a simple pleasure that brings a sense of calm to my often chaotic days, a little reminder that even amidst the busyness, I can prioritize my family’s well-being, one delicious and healthy meal at a time.
I encourage you to give this Paleo Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad a try. I’m confident that it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too. Enjoy!
