This Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a crunchy and colorful meal that comes together in no time! Packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a yummy dressing, it’s delightful!
I love how this salad makes me feel like a chef without the fuss. Plus, it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Who knew being healthy could taste so good? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is perfect here. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works well, or you can opt for leftover chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider tofu or chickpeas for protein.
Napa Cabbage: This gives the salad a nice crunch. If you can’t find Napa cabbage, try regular green cabbage or even a mix of kale and lettuce for a different flavor and texture.
Mandarin Oranges: Adding sweetness, canned or fresh mandarin oranges both taste great. You can switch them for pineapple or apple slices if you’d like a different fruit flavor.
Crispy Wonton Strips: These add a nice crunch! If you can’t find them, try croutons or roasted peanuts for a similar texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip this ingredient entirely.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right?
When using cooked chicken, shredding is key. This method helps mix the flavors nicely in the salad. If your chicken is whole, let it cool before shredding to make this step easier. You can use two forks or your hands to shred it. If heating up chicken, do so gently to keep it juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Dressing?
Making the dressing is super simple! Just combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger in a jar and shake it up or whisk it in a bowl. This method ensures all ingredients blend well. Don’t forget to taste; you can easily add more honey or soy sauce to balance the flavors!
Tips for Serving Your Salad
For the best crunch, add the wonton strips and cashews right before serving. This keeps them crispy! Serve immediately after tossing for fresh flavors. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately and mix them right before eating to maintain the texture.
Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup carrot, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/3 cup roasted cashews
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips or fried wonton noodles
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend just a bit of time chopping, shredding, and mixing. It’s a quick and healthy option for lunch or dinner, and perfect for when you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by getting all your fresh produce ready. Thinly slice the Napa cabbage and romaine lettuce, peel the carrots into ribbons or shred them. Slice the scallions and pick off the fresh cilantro leaves. These colorful ingredients are the heart of your salad!
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, mandarin orange segments, sliced scallions, and fresh cilantro. This mixture is packed with flavors and textures, so give it a good mix!
3. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce if you like it spicy. This dressing is simple but adds an amazing flavor to your salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. This is where the magic happens!
5. Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Right before you serve the salad, sprinkle the roasted cashews and crispy wonton strips on top. If you want, you can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the salad for extra flavor. These toppings add a delightful crunch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the best crunch and freshness. Dive in and enjoy this refreshing and delicious Chinese Chicken Salad that’s perfect for any occasion!
Happy eating! 🥗✨
FAQ about Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas to replace the chicken!
What If I Don’t Have Napa Cabbage?
No problem! You can substitute Napa cabbage with regular green cabbage or a mix of romaine lettuce and kale for a similar crunchy texture. Just be sure to slice them thinly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the crispiness of the ingredients.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge for a few hours before serving, but add the dressing, cashews, and crispy wonton strips just before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
