This crispy chicken apple cabbage salad is made super easy by using rotisserie chicken and crisping it up in olive oil with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. That’s combined with lots of fresh chopped cabbage, minced herbs, apples, and a light squeeze of lime.
The second the weather starts to warm, I crave salads, grilled foods, and cocktails.
I’m ready to eat healthily, ruin it by eating a big ass steak, and get tipsy.
Heck. Yes.
Now, this crispy chicken apple cabbage salad is a new household favorite. I have made it two times since making it for the blog.
The last time I made it I threw in some dried cranberries which I think 100% work.
For this photographed recipe, they weren’t included, but I wasn’t about to waste these gorgeous photos!
Just throw in some dried cranberries if you’re a fan. You won’t be disappointed!
Also, this is 100% off-topic, but I met Steven Tyler at the airport on Friday.
Here is the whole story. I sometimes travel with my old boss (the fabulous Audra McDonald), and we were on the plane heading back to NYC from a short 2-night stay in Los Angeles.
So we are getting comfortable in our seats, and out of nowhere, Steven Tyler gets on the plane, and she and I look at each other like, “Whoa!” Then, I silently squealed like a little girl.
I quickly met him on the plane and shook his hand. He asked me my name, and I panicked and replied, “Nutmeg Nanny.”
Yes. I introduced myself as my blog.
Networking #yolo
After the flight, we were walking off the plane, and Steven (we are now on a first-name basis, obviously) approached Audra to say hello.
So we walked through the airport chatting until we had to part ways (he went into the flight club, and we went to baggage). Before we left, we made sure to take a few pictures together.
I almost never ask celebrities for photos because I hate annoying people, but there was almost no way I missed this opportunity.
It’s days later, and I’m still weirdly giddy.
Ok, so let us get back to this salad.
I mean, I can’t just talk about Steven the whole time.
The secret to this crispy chicken apple cabbage salad is the crispy chicken.
Listen and follow the directions.
It’s not too much oil. It won’t smell fried or weird.
Yes, get that oil super hot, and when you put the chicken in the skillet, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Give it a few minutes to crisp up before tossing it about.
Once it has reached the optimal crispy-to-moist chicken ratio, remove it from the heat, add the garlic/lemongrass/ginger mixture, and let it cool.
Then toss it all together with your veggies and herbs and DEVOUR!
More salad recipes
- Cantaloupe Prosciutto Caprese Salad
- Fall Panzanella Salad
- Grilled Nectarine Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Apple Bacon Salad
- Fig Goat Cheese Salad with Fig Vinaigrette
- Peach Feta Salad with Peach Vinaigrette
Crispy Chicken Apple Cabbage Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 rotisserie chicken skin removed meat picked off
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup minced fresh mint
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 lime zested
- 1 green apple cut into matchsticks
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet add your olive oil and set over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmery add your chicken and let it sit for about 5 minutes to create little crispy bits on your chicken.
- Give it a gentle toss to crisp up the other sides of the shredded chicken.
- Remove from the heat and stir in grated ginger, lemongrass, and garlic.
- Toss to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the chicken.
- Let it cool slightly while you prepare the salad.
- In a large bowl add shredded red cabbage, shredded napa cabbage, minced parsley, cilantro mint, red onion, lime juice, lime zest, and matchstick apples.
- Add in the slightly cooled chicken and toss to combine.
- If the salad is too dry drizzle in just a few tablespoons of olive oil.
- Taste and season with the desired amount of kosher salt.
Sandi G
Monday 22nd of May 2017
Crispy chicken salad...count me in. This sounds delicious.
Kate
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
This salad looks awesome - def going to try it with cranberries! Meeting Steven Tyler is also awesome - what a great story!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
That looks sooooo good, I've got to try it!
Katerina @ diethood .com
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
Now this is my kind of salad!! Its fantastic!!
Lauren @thesmilelines
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
Heck Yes! This made me laugh because I am the same way! Cocktails, grilled food equals summer! I cannot wait to try this crispy chicken! The salad looks amazing!