This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken and crunchy veggies like carrots and bell peppers. It’s fresh, light, and oh-so-tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is a key player in this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from a previous meal. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu instead!
Cabbage: Napa cabbage adds a sweet crunch to your salad, but green cabbage works just as well. If you can’t find those, coleslaw mix can be a quick substitute.
Mandarin Oranges: These add a wonderful sweetness. If you don’t have them, try pineapple or apple slices instead for a fruity kick!
Crispy Toppings: Wonton strips and chow mein noodles provide crunch. You can swap these with toasted peanuts or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
How Do I Make the Dressing Flavorful?
The dressing really ties the salad together, so it’s worth paying attention to! Start by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust ingredients based on your taste—more honey for sweetness or extra soy sauce for saltiness. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Whisk soy sauce and rice vinegar first for a nice blend.
- Add sesame oil and honey for a creamy texture.
- Incorporate ginger and garlic for that zingy flavor.
- Finish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
Don’t forget to save some dressing for drizzling on top for serving. This makes the salad look inviting and keeps the flavors fresh!
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage or green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup romaine or mixed lettuce, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- 1 cup crispy fried wonton strips or crispy chow mein noodles
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Time Needed:
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. No cooking involved! After mixing everything, it’s best to serve immediately for optimal freshness and crunch.
Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if you like some spice!). Mix until well combined and set it aside while you prepare the salad.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, add the shredded chicken, thinly sliced Napa cabbage (or green cabbage), chopped romaine lettuce, carrot ribbons or shreds, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently to mix everything together.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour most of the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. Remember to save a bit of dressing for drizzling later when serving!
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Top the salad with roasted cashews and crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles. This will give your salad a wonderful crunch and additional flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately, drizzling the reserved dressing on top or presenting it on the side for your guests to add as they prefer. Enjoy this fresh, vibrant salad as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner side!
This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies is all about bold flavors and crispy textures. Enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred it before adding to the salad. If you have rotisserie chicken, that’s a quick and tasty option as well!
What Can I Substitute for Mandarin Oranges?
If you don’t have mandarin oranges on hand, you can use fresh pineapple chunks, apple slices, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a sweet touch. Each will add a unique flavor to the salad!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the crunchy toppings (cashews and wonton strips) separate until ready to eat to maintain their crispness!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to ensure everything stays fresh and crunchy!
