Chinese Chicken Salad

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a homemade dressing that packs a punch. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is not only easy to make but also impressively vibrant and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a healthy weeknight meal, this salad will surely stand out on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh lettuce, cabbage, and juicy mandarin oranges ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the toppings or ingredients based on your preferences, making it versatile for any occasion.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Delicious Dressing: The homemade dressing elevates the dish with its unique blend of flavors that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To create this fantastic Chinese Chicken Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jar with a lid (or mini food processor)
• Large bowl or serving platter
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Jar with a lid: Perfect for shaking up the dressing quickly and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
• Large bowl or serving platter: Provides ample space for tossing and serving the salad without making a mess.

Ingredients

This Chinese Chicken Salad has the BEST homemade dressing and is easy to make with fresh lettuce, cabbage, chicken, and crispy toppings!

For the Salad

• 4 cups Napa cabbage (shredded)
• 3 cups Iceberg lettuce (chopped)
• 2 ½ cups cooked chicken (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (julienned)
• 11 oz. mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)
• 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
• ½ cup chow mein noodles
• ½ cup crispy wonton strips
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
• ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid.
2. Shake very well to mix everything together. Alternatively, use a mini food processor for a smoother consistency.
3. Refrigerate while you prepare the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange shredded Napa cabbage and chopped Iceberg lettuce on a large serving platter or in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with a little bit of dressing to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Add Toppings

1. Top the salad with diced chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions.
2. Drizzle more dressing over the top.
3. Finish by adding sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve immediately with any remaining dressing on the side for extra flavor!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad

Serving Chinese Chicken Salad can be as creative and fun as you like. This vibrant dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for gatherings or a light meal at home.

Platter Style

• Arrange the salad on a large platter for sharing. This invites guests to help themselves and enjoy the communal experience of dining.

Individual Bowls

• Serve in individual bowls for a more personal touch. This method is great for meal prep or if you want to control portion sizes.

Add Extra Crunch

• Sprinkle additional crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles on top just before serving for added texture and crunch.

Dressing on the Side

• Offer extra dressing on the side to allow guests to customize their flavor preferences. This is especially handy if some enjoy a lighter salad.

How to Perfect Chinese Chicken Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Chinese Chicken Salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh produce for the best taste. Crisp lettuce and crunchy cabbage elevate the salad’s overall quality.

• Chill the Dressing: Refrigerating the dressing for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor. The cool temperature also makes it more refreshing when served.

• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sunflower seeds or edamame. These can add unique flavors and textures to your salad.

• Marinate Chicken: For an extra punch of flavor, marinate your diced chicken in soy sauce or hoisin sauce before adding it to the salad.

Best Side Dishes for Chinese Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with Chinese Chicken Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement its flavors well.

1. Steamed Dumplings – These savory bites are filled with vegetables or chicken, providing a satisfying contrast to the fresh salad.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Light and crispy, spring rolls add a nice crunch and are perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce.
3. Edamame – Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers a simple yet nutritious side that goes well with Asian flavors.
4. Rice Noodle Stir-Fry – A quick stir-fry of rice noodles with vegetables provides a filling addition that matches the salad’s theme.
5. Sesame Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli tossed with sesame oil adds both color and nutrition, enhancing your meal’s profile.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances out the savory notes of the chicken salad, adding sweetness and brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure to steer clear of these common mistakes while preparing your Chinese Chicken Salad for the best results.

• Using wilted greens: Always choose fresh Napa cabbage and Iceberg lettuce. Wilted greens can ruin the salad’s texture and flavor.
• Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to add too much dressing. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not letting the dressing chill can affect its flavor. Refrigerate it while preparing other ingredients for optimal taste.
• Ignoring ingredient preparation: Cutting vegetables too large can lead to uneven bites. Aim for uniform sizes for a better eating experience.
• Using stale toppings: Ensure your chow mein noodles and wonton strips are fresh and crispy to maintain that delightful crunch in every bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.

Freezing Chinese Chicken Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in vegetables.
• If necessary, freeze only the chicken portion, not the salad itself.

Reheating Chinese Chicken Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat chicken until warm. Serve over fresh salad.
• Microwave: Heat chicken in short intervals, stirring in between. Avoid reheating salad components together.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chinese Chicken Salad that might help you.

What is the best way to make Chinese Chicken Salad?

The best way is to start with fresh ingredients, prepare a delicious homemade dressing, and ensure everything is chilled before serving for enhanced flavor.

Can I customize my Chinese Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins like turkey or beef, swap out vegetables, or use various nuts for topping based on your preference.

How do I make the dressing for Chinese Chicken Salad?

Combine rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and optional peanut butter. Shake well or blend before use.

Is Chinese Chicken Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with lean protein from chicken and plenty of fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead but keep them separate from the dressing until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients while enjoying its crispness and taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chinese Chicken Salad

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Enjoy a vibrant, refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad that combines crisp vegetables with tender chicken and a zesty homemade dressing. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups Napa cabbage (shredded)
• 3 cups Iceberg lettuce (chopped)
• 2 ½ cups cooked chicken (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (julienned)
• 11 oz. mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)
• 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
• ½ cup chow mein noodles
• ½ cup crispy wonton strips
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
• ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well. Refrigerate while you prepare the salad.
2. In a large bowl, layer shredded Napa cabbage and chopped Iceberg lettuce. Drizzle with some dressing.
3. Top with diced chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions. Drizzle more dressing over the top.
4. Finish with sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds.
5. Serve immediately with any remaining dressing on the side.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg