Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too! For a vegetarian option, try replacing chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas.

Napa Cabbage: This adds a nice crunch. If it’s hard to find, you can substitute with regular green cabbage or even mixed salad greens.

Carrots: I love using fresh carrots for their color and sweetness. You could use shredded purple cabbage for a pop of color or even bell peppers if you prefer.

Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarins are convenient, but fresh oranges can be brighter and more flavorful. You could also use diced apples or pineapple chunks for a different twist.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, consider swapping it with fresh parsley or mint for a different taste.

How Do I Get the Dressing Just Right?

Getting the dressing right can really elevate your salad! Here’s how to make it simple:

• Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a well-rounded base.
• Add honey or sugar for sweetness; adjust based on your preference.
• Incorporating ginger and garlic provides a nice zing, so don’t skip these!
• If you like some heat, sriracha or chili sauce can really take it up a notch.

Mix and taste until you’re happy with it. Remember, fresh ginger packs a punch, so start with a little and add more if needed!

Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, peeled into ribbons or shredded
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• 1 cup crispy fried wonton strips (store-bought or homemade)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

How Much Time Will You Need?

This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking time since you’re using pre-cooked chicken. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in about 15 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:

In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded Napa cabbage, shredded chicken, carrot ribbons, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. This colorful mix adds great textures and flavors to your salad!

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if you want a bit of heat. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Taste and adjust if needed!

3. Toss the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. You want each bite to be flavorful!

4. Add Crunch and Nuts:

Just before serving, sprinkle the roasted cashews and crispy wonton strips on top of the salad. This will keep them crunchy and add that delightful texture contrast!

5. Serve:

Divide the salad onto plates and enjoy immediately as a light and refreshing meal. It’s perfect on its own, but also pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a more filling option.

This Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and crispy wontons, all brought together with a tangy and savory dressing. It’s a tasty dish that is sure to impress!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works great in this salad. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooled before shredding and adding it to the salad.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

To make this salad vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor!

Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?

Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. Just wait to add the dressing, cashews, and wonton strips until you’re ready to serve to keep everything crunchy and fresh.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the wonton strips may lose their crunch, so you might want to keep them separate until you’re ready to eat!