This Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a fun mix of crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and tasty dressings. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for a light meal!
Making this salad is super simple! I love to throw it together in minutes, and it’s great for lunch or dinner. Just toss everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to eat in no time! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad as it saves time. If you’re short on time, you could also use canned chicken or leftover cooked chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu instead.
Mixed Salad Greens: A blend of romaine and iceberg gives a nice crunch. You can switch for spinach, arugula, or whatever greens you have handy to keep it fresh and vibrant!
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage adds a mild and crunchy element. If not available, you can replace it with regular cabbage, though the texture will vary slightly.
Mandarin Oranges: These provide sweetness to balance the flavors. If you don’t have them, try using diced fresh pineapple or even apple slices for a fruity touch.
Sesame Oil: It adds a unique flavor. If you’re out of it, try using a light olive oil or sunflower oil, though the taste will change slightly. Just add a little sesame seeds to still get that nutty flavor.
How Do I Make a Tasty Dressing for My Salad?
Making dressing is simple but essential for bringing all the flavors together. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey (or sugar) until well combined.
- Taste as you go! Adjust with more vinegar for tanginess or more honey for sweetness.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors further!
- Pour it over the salad mixture right before serving to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess.
Even a quick shake can work if you’re in a hurry – just make sure all ingredients blend well together! Enjoy your salad’s crunchy freshness.
Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, iceberg)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional for crunch)
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is quick to make! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare and toss everything together. If you can let it chill in the fridge for up to 30 minutes, the flavors will get even better. So plan for around 10 to 40 minutes total, depending on chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Give it a light toss to mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey (or sugar). Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will be your tasty dressing!
3. Toss and Serve:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently until everything is nicely coated in the dressing. It’s important to be gentle so you don’t crush the delicate salad greens and mandarin oranges.
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Sprinkle the sliced almonds (or chopped peanuts) and crispy chow mein noodles on top for some yummy crunch. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch.
5. Enjoy Your Salad:
Serve the salad right away, or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes to let those delicious flavors meld a bit. Enjoy your refreshing and satisfying Chinese chicken salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use grilled, poached, or even canned chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded for the best texture. Adjust the seasoning in the salad if the chicken is pre-seasoned.
How to Make This Salad Vegan?
To convert this salad to a vegan option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein. Use agave syrup instead of honey, and replace the sesame oil with a plant-based oil like olive or avocado oil. You can skip the chow mein noodles or use a crispy vegan alternative.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to avoid soggy greens. The salad can last for up to 2 days, but for optimal freshness, consume within 1 day!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas. For added flavor, you might consider including avocado or even sliced radishes. Just remember to balance flavors and textures!
