This Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish packed with colorful veggies and tender chicken. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
I love how zesty the dressing makes everything pop! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, even on busy days. And who doesn’t want more crunch in their life? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green and red cabbage give this salad a colorful crunch. If you can’t find red cabbage, feel free to use extra green cabbage or try Napa cabbage for a different texture.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and brightness. You can substitute with grated zucchini if you’re looking for a lower-carb option.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is what I used for convenience. Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken work perfectly if you want to save time.
Mandarin Oranges: These add a delightful sweetness. If you’re avoiding canned fruit, you can use fresh orange segments or even diced apples for a similar effect.
Almonds: For crunch, I like adding sliced almonds, but you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you’re looking for nut-free options.
Almond Butter: This dressing base is creamy and delicious. You can swap it with cashew butter or tahini if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How Do You Make a Smooth Dressing Without Clumps?
Getting a silky dressing is key for this salad! Start by whisking the almond butter with the coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar. Make sure to blend well to avoid clumps.
- Use warm water if your almond butter is thick; it helps to mix everything together smoothly.
- Mix slowly and steadily, adding in the sesame oil and garlic powder until fully combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust with more vinegar or coconut aminos if needed to get your favorite balance.
How to Make Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for crunch)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy almond butter (or tahini)
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce substitute)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved besides cooking the chicken ahead of time. Once you gather your ingredients and chop everything up, you’re just minutes away from a fresh, tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. Toss everything together gently until well mixed. This colorful base adds a nice crunch to your salad!
2. Add the Chicken and Fruits:
Next, add the sliced or shredded cooked chicken to the bowl. Then, gently toss in the drained mandarin oranges, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, and cilantro. Stir carefully to combine all of the ingredients without squashing the oranges.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy almond butter, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and well-combined—this is what adds a wonderful flavor to your salad!
4. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a little more salt or pepper? You can either serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for up to an hour to let those flavors meld together.
Enjoy your refreshing Paleo Chinese Chicken Salad!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes to the other ingredients for even mixing and presentation.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces so it blends well with the salad.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the vegetables may soften a bit, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh. If possible, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving!
