This crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad is full of fresh flavors! With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and tasty sesame dressing, it’s a vibrant meal that’s hard to resist.
I love how this salad is both light and filling, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can enjoy it any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breast is the main protein here. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease, or even shredded turkey for a different twist. Both add flavor and save time!
Napa Cabbage: This gives a mild, crispy texture. If you can’t find napa cabbage, regular green cabbage works well too. Just slice it thinly for the best results.
Carrots: Fresh, shredded carrots add vibrant color and crunch. For a shortcut, you can use pre-shredded carrots available in stores.
Mandarin Oranges: These sweet segments brighten the dish. If fresh oranges are unavailable, canned or frozen ones (thawed) work well. Just remember to drain them well!
Dressing Ingredients: For soy sauce, use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt. You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
How Do I Make the Dressing Smooth and Flavorful?
The dressing is crucial for bringing all flavors together! Start with a bowl to mix your dressing ingredients before adding to the salad. This helps blend the flavors fully.
- Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Taste and adjust: Add extra ginger for spice or a pinch of salt.
- Make it ahead of time to help the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, sliced or slivered
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this delicious salad. This includes chopping and mixing the ingredients, plus a few moments to whip up the dressing. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, shredded carrots, bell peppers, shredded chicken, mandarin orange segments, green onions, and cilantro if you’re using it. Toss everything together gently so the ingredients are mixed well. This colorful mix will be the base of your salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Taste it and add a little salt and pepper to suit your liking. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together, so make sure it’s tasty!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to make sure everything is coated nicely with the dressing. This step is essential to ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor!
4. Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Just before you serve, sprinkle in the crispy chow mein noodles and sliced almonds on top of the salad. Toss just a bit more to blend them in without crushing them. This will give your salad a wonderful crunch!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chinese Chicken Salad immediately. You can add extra green onions or cilantro for garnish if you’d like. Enjoy this refreshing, crunchy salad that’s packed with flavor!
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to change things up, you can substitute cooked shrimp, tofu, or even crispy duck for a different flavor profile. Ensure any alternative is properly cooked and roughly the same size as the chicken pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make the salad vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas, edamame, or cooked quinoa. You can also enhance the flavor with extra vegetables, such as shredded broccoli or bell peppers, for added texture and nutrients!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep components ahead of time! Assemble the salad (excluding the chow mein noodles and almonds) and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just before serving, add the crispy noodles and nuts to maintain their crunchiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the crispy noodles separately to keep them from getting soggy. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying it out.
