This Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is fresh, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty! It brings together juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing that makes every bite delightful.
Honestly, it’s the perfect dish for a busy day when you want something yummy without the hassle. I love adding some crunchy almonds on top for an extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is perfect for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from another meal. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or chickpeas for protein.
Napa Cabbage: This adds a nice crunch, but if you can’t find it, you can use green cabbage or even mixed greens. Keep in mind that regular cabbage has a firmer texture, so it may need a bit more dressing.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarins are great, but canned are just as good. If you don’t have oranges, you could swap in chopped apples or pears for sweetness and crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can be a good substitute.
Crispy Toppings: If you don’t have wonton strips, you can use crispy fried onions or even some toasted nuts like almonds or peanuts for that satisfying crunch.
How Can I Make the Dressing Perfectly Balanced?
The dressing is what gives your salad a lot of flavor, so let’s make sure it’s just right. Start by combining the soy sauce and rice vinegar for a salty-sour base. Adding sesame oil brings in a lovely nutty flavor. To balance the saltiness, honey or brown sugar works wonders, giving a hint of sweetness.
- Mix well: Combine your ingredients in a small bowl or jar and whisk until smooth.
- Adjust to taste: If it’s too salty, add a touch more honey. If it’s too sweet, an extra splash of vinegar can help.
- Keep it fresh: Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to ensure everything stays crisp and bright.
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 large carrots, peeled into ribbons (using a peeler)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup cashews (roasted or raw)
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips or fried egg roll strips
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. With minimal cooking involved, you can whip it up quickly for lunch or dinner. Just make sure to set aside some time if you want the flavors to blend nicely, but no chilling time is necessary. It’s ready to serve right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrot ribbons, mandarin orange segments, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Give everything a gentle toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), grated ginger, minced garlic, red chili flakes (if you want a little heat), and toasted sesame seeds. Mix until it’s well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Just before serving, sprinkle the cashews and crispy wonton strips on top for an extra crunch. Feel free to add a few extra sesame seeds and more cilantro for garnishing if you’d like!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately with forks. Everyone will love the fresh, vibrant flavors and crunchy texture. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with deliciousness!
Enjoy this satisfying salad for a quick lunch or a light dinner and feel free to prepare it in advance by keeping toppings and dressing separate until it’s time to serve!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it up and toss it in with the other ingredients. Rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver!
What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
No problem! If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can leave it out or substitute it with fresh parsley, which adds a nice flavor without being overpowering.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the crispy toppings and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crunch!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegan by replacing the chicken with shredded tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use a vegan-friendly honey substitute (like agave nectar) in the dressing, and you’re all set!
