This Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tasty dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for a light meal!
Honestly, who can resist a salad that feels more like a party in a bowl? I love adding crispy wonton chips for an extra crunch—so good! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great choice for ease! If you prefer, any leftover cooked chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, try using shredded tofu or chickpeas.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage variety is tender and sweet, perfect for salads. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage or bok choy can work as substitutes. Just chop them finely to mimic Napa’s texture.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges are convenient, but fresh ones add a bright flavor. If you want an alternative, diced apples or sliced strawberries can enhance the salad’s sweetness.
Crispy Noodles: Chow mein noodles give the salad crunch. If you prefer a healthier twist, you can use baked tortilla strips or skip the crispy element altogether.
How Do You Make the Dressing Perfectly Balanced?
The dressing is key to the flavor of your salad! Start with soy sauce for saltiness and depth. Rice vinegar gives it a tangy kick, while sesame oil adds that nutty aroma. To balance the flavors:
- Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil first.
- Add honey or sugar slowly; taste as you go to avoid overly sweet dressing.
- Incorporate grated ginger and minced garlic for a zesty finish. Adjust salt and pepper at the end for flavor.
Each ingredient contributes to the overall taste, so feel free to tweak it based on your preferences! Remember, always whisk well to combine before drizzling it over the salad.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or peanuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing the ingredients and then whisking together the dressing. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, finely shredded Napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, drained mandarin oranges, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, minced garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently again to coat all the ingredients with the delicious dressing. Make sure everything is nicely dressed!
4. Add the Crunch:
Just before you’re ready to serve the salad, top it with crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips for some crunch. If you like, sprinkle on some sliced almonds or peanuts for additional flavor.
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you want, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added taste and a pretty finish. Serve your salad immediately to enjoy that perfect crunch!
Enjoy your vibrant and tasty Chinese Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use any cooked chicken. Grilled, poached, or baked chicken breasts work well too. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy mixing!
Is There a Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
Yes! If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. However, if using white wine vinegar, you might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the tanginess.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate if possible. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, add the dressing, chow mein noodles, and any nuts just before serving for maximum freshness!
Can I Add More Vegetables or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is versatile. Feel free to add ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers of different colors, or even avocado for a creamy texture. Just chop them finely to maintain a good balance in the salad!
