This Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of sliced chicken, crunchy veggies, and tasty dressing. It’s both fresh and filling, perfect for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star of this salad. A rotisserie chicken is a quick option, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works great too. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage type gives a nice crunch. If you can’t find Napa cabbage, go for green cabbage or even a mix of romaine lettuce and green cabbage. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best texture!
Mandarin Oranges: These add sweetness and a pop of flavor. If canned oranges aren’t available, fresh orange segments or even pineapple chunks can be a fun substitute. Just remember to drain any juice to keep the salad from getting soggy.
Sesame Oil: This gives the salad a delicious nutty flavor. If you can’t find sesame oil, try using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, then add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for some extra flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing for This Salad?
The dressing is simple yet essential for tying all the flavors together. Start by whisking together your wet ingredients in a small bowl. Here’s how:
- Combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey or sugar in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth. Taste the dressing to see if you need to add more salt or pepper.
- Worried about it being too strong? Use less soy sauce and more vinegar to lighten it up.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, making sure every bite is flavorful!
Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
- 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed right away. If you prefer, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully. Quick, fresh, and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped scallions, drained mandarin oranges, and fresh cilantro. This mix creates a colorful and crunchy base for your salad!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey (or sugar). This dressing adds a delightful tangy sweetness to your salad. Don’t forget to taste it and adjust with salt and pepper as needed!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with that yummy dressing for maximum flavor!
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
If you’re using them, add the crispy chow mein noodles and slivered almonds to the salad and gently toss again. These add a nice crunch and extra texture!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Top your salad with the toasted sesame seeds for a bit of extra flavor and crunch. You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Either way, enjoy your delicious Chinese chicken salad!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to your salad. Just shred the chicken and add it to the salad mixture as you would with homemade cooked chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Napa Cabbage?
If you can’t find Napa cabbage, green cabbage works well as a substitute. You can also use mixed greens or even kale, but keep in mind the texture will differ slightly. Just be sure to slice them thinly for best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Leftovers should be consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize the salad with additional veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even edamame for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans if you prefer!
