Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe For Healthy Meals

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Cooked chicken breast adds protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even shredded tofu for a vegetarian option.

Napa Cabbage: I love Napa cabbage for its crispness, but you can swap it with regular green cabbage or even kale if it’s what you have on hand.

Mandalin Oranges: They bring a sweet and juicy burst to the salad. If fresh oranges aren’t available, canned ones with no added sugar work too! You can also substitute with sliced apples for a different twist.

Cashews: These add a lovely crunch. If you’re allergic, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds serve as great substitutes. You could even try sliced almonds!

Cilantro: It gives freshness! If you’re not a fan, try parsley or even basil as alternatives that add a nice flavor.

What’s the Best Way to Toast Nuts?

Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and crunch. It’s simple! Here’s how to do it:

• Use a dry skillet (no oil) over medium heat.
• Spread the nuts in a single layer and watch closely. Stir them occasionally.
• After about 2-3 minutes, they should be golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.

This quick technique elevates the taste of your salad, so don’t skip it!

How Can I Make Homemade Dressing?

This dressing is easy to whip up and so much better than store-bought! Here’s how:

• Start by measuring out your soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oils into a bowl.
• Add in honey (or sugar) and whisk until combined. Make sure the honey dissolves well.
• Finish by mixing in grated ginger and minced garlic for that extra kick.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for a bit more tang!

Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
• 1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons or shredded
• 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/3 cup unsalted cashews
• 1/2 cup crispy fried wonton strips or chow mein noodles
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (neutral oil)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or a splash of chili oil (optional for some heat)

Time Needed:

This quick and easy salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a little extra time if you choose to cook your chicken from scratch. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:

In a large salad bowl, start with the shredded chicken, then add the Napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, mandarin orange segments, carrot ribbons, thinly sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.

2. Toast the Cashews:

To enhance the flavor of the cashews, toast them lightly! Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the cashews and stir them for about 2-3 minutes until they become golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool a bit.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), toasted sesame oil, vegetable oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes or chili oil, if you like a little heat. Whisk until everything is well combined.

4. Combine the Salad with Dressing:

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss it all gently so that every ingredient gets coated with the delicious dressing.

5. Add the Crunchy Toppings:

Just before serving, sprinkle your toasted cashews and crispy fried wonton strips or chow mein noodles over the top for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. You can also add sesame seeds as a garnish!

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the salad immediately, and if you’d like, put some extra dressing on the side for anyone who wants a little more flavor. Enjoy this refreshing, vibrant, and healthy Chinese chicken salad as a delightful meal or side dish!

FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to shred it, so it mixes well with the salad ingredients!

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with shredded tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies or use chickpeas for additional protein!

What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Mandarins?

If you can’t find mandarins, you can use other fruits like sliced oranges, apples, or even pineapple for a sweet and juicy alternative that complements the salad well!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the crispy toppings separate until serving to maintain their crunch!