This Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is perfect for a tasty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for long! With tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s a refreshing treat.
Making this salad is so simple! I love how you can use leftover chicken, and it’s great for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s pretty enough to impress family and friends. Give it a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is the star here. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut, saving time and effort. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using shredded plant-based chicken or tofu instead.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage adds a wonderful crunch. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage or bok choy works as a good substitute. Both still give great texture and flavor.
Mándarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges are a convenient choice, but fresh citrus segments can elevate the dish. If you’re looking for a different flavor, consider fresh pineapple or even pomegranate seeds for a vibrant twist.
Cashews or Peanuts: Both add a great crunch. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a similar texture. Toast them for extra flavor!
Cilantro: This herb is key for freshness. If you’re not a fan, try fresh parsley or green onions for a different herbaceous note.
How Can You Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing brings the salad to life, so getting it right is essential. Here’s a simple way I recommend to enhance its flavor:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresh garlic and ginger bring brightness. Grate the ginger finely for a smooth mix.
- Balance flavors: Taste your dressing before mixing it with the salad. Adjust sweetness or acidity by adding a bit more honey or vinegar, depending on your preference.
- Whisk it up: Whisking the ingredients well ensures that they combine nicely. You want an even flavor in every bite!
Feel free to experiment with the dressing. Adding a bit of lime juice or extra sesame oil can give it a delightful twist!
Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded or ribboned
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 4 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/3 cup cashews or peanuts, roasted
- 1/4 cup crispy fried wonton strips or fried chow mein noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or Sriracha (optional, for a kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take approximately 15-20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You can serve it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes to let all those yummy flavors meld together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, chopped green leaf lettuce, shredded carrot, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Make sure everything is mixed well so each ingredient can add its flavor!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes or Sriracha (if you like it spicy). Whisk until all the ingredients are blended nicely.
3. Combine Dressing and Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. You want to make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated without mashing the salad.
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Sprinkle the salad with roasted cashews or peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy fried wonton strips for that perfect crunch. These toppings add great texture and flavor to your salad!
5. Final Touches:
Give the salad one last gentle toss to incorporate the toppings. You can transfer it to a large serving platter or simply keep it in the bowl for serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your quick and easy Chinese chicken salad is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or let it chill in the fridge for a short while. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner—enjoy every crunchy, savory bite!
FAQ about Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this salad. Just shred it up and mix it in. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while saving time!
Can I Substitute the Napa Cabbage?
Yes, if you can’t find Napa cabbage, regular green cabbage or bok choy makes an excellent substitute. Both will provide a similar crunch and flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the crunchy toppings separate until serving to maintain their crispiness!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using to re-combine any settled ingredients.
