This Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of crunchy veggies and juicy chicken, all tossed in a light dressing. It’s fresh, fun, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just grill or poach the chicken, chop some veggies, and mix it all together. Perfect for when I’m short on time but still want something yummy! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. If you’re vegetarian, try diced tofu or chickpeas for protein.
Napa Cabbage: It’s mild and crunchy, but you can swap it for regular green cabbage or bok choy if needed.
Mandarin Oranges: These add sweetness; fresh ones are great! If they’re out of season, pineapple chunks or apples can work too.
Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: They provide a nice crunch. You can replace them with tortilla chips or croutons if you can’t find them.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing is essential for bringing all the flavors together. Whisking the ingredients ensures they blend well, and you can adjust it to your taste. Here’s how:
- Start with soy sauce and rice vinegar for tanginess.
- Add sesame oil for its fragrant flavor.
- Sweeten it with honey or sugar. You can taste and alter to how sweet you like it!
- Incorporate minced garlic and fresh ginger for a punch of flavor.
- If you like heat, add chili paste or sriracha to spice things up.
Toss the dressing with the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh!
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
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp chili paste or sriracha (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or light olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare! You just need a little time to chop your veggies and mix the dressing. It’s quick to make, plus it’s great for meal prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad:
Start by gathering a large salad bowl. Add the shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced Napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Give it a good toss to mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste (if you like some heat) along with the vegetable oil. Keep whisking until it’s nicely blended and smooth.
3. Combine Dressing and Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the ingredients are well coated in the delicious dressing. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor!
4. Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Right before you serve, sprinkle the roasted cashews, crispy chow mein noodles (or fried wonton strips), and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds a fantastic crunch and texture to every bite!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out the salad onto plates or into bowls and serve immediately. If you’d like, have some extra dressing on the side for anyone who wants a little more flavor. Enjoy this fresh, crunchy, and satisfying meal!
This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner and is sure to impress your friends and family!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with diced firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options add protein and will still keep the salad satisfying!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients? Can I Substitute?
Definitely! If you don’t have Napa cabbage, regular green cabbage or bok choy will do. You can also swap mandarin oranges with apples or pineapple for a fruity twist. Be creative with what you have on hand!
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crunchiness!
