This Chinese Chicken Salad is a tasty blend of chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a light dressing. It’s colorful on your plate and bursting with flavor from the sesame and soy!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how refreshing this salad feels. I often whip it up for lunch—it’s quick, easy, and makes me feel like I’ve done something fancy! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken is the star here; shredded or chopped works well. You can use rotisserie chicken for easier prep or swap in tofu for a vegetarian option. Leftover turkey is also great if you have some!
Napa and Red Cabbage: Napa cabbage offers a tender crunch, but if you can’t find it, regular green cabbage will do. The red cabbage gives a pop of color. Both are nutritious, but feel free to mix in other leafy greens if you prefer.
Carrots: Shredded carrots are sweet and add crunch. You can replace them with bell peppers or cucumbers if you want something different or if you have specific cravings.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin oranges add sweetness and moisture. If you want something fresher, use sliced fresh oranges or even pineapple chunks for a fun twist.
Almonds: Sliced almonds give a nice crunch. You can use chopped peanuts or sunflower seeds for a different texture. Nut allergies? Try pumpkin seeds instead!
How Do I Make Sure the Dressing Is Well Balanced?
The dressing is key for tying all the flavors together. Start by whisking the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl. Each ingredient plays a role: the soy sauce adds saltiness, rice vinegar provides tang, and honey offers sweetness.
- Adjust as you whisk: If it’s too salty, add a bit more honey.
- Prefer it spicier? Include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Ensure the ginger and garlic are fresh for the best flavor boost.
Toss the dressing with the salad only when you’re ready to eat to keep everything crisp. If making ahead, store the dressing separately!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to meld. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a refreshing meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the thinly sliced Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, trimmed snap peas, drained mandarin oranges, and the shredded chicken. Add the sliced almonds, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds to the bowl. This colorful mix will add crunch and flavor to your salad!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Keep whisking until everything is well combined. You want to create a smooth dressing that adds a delicious zing to your salad. Remember to add a little salt and pepper to taste!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. If you taste it and feel it needs more seasoning, go ahead and add a bit more salt or pepper as you like!
4. Chill and Serve:
You can serve your salad immediately, but for even better flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to soak up the dressing and enhances the taste. Once you’re ready to dig in, give it a final toss and enjoy your delightful Chinese Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While Napa and red cabbage give a nice crunch and flavor, you can substitute with other greens like romaine lettuce, spinach, or even kale. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces!
What If I Don’t Have Honey for the Dressing?
No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can, but to keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately. Combine the salad ingredients and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a day. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch!
How to Store Leftovers Safely?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the greens to wilt, but the flavors will still be delicious! Just give it a good toss before eating.
