This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a bright and tasty dish! It features tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing that adds a burst of flavor.
The crispiness of the veggies is a fun surprise! I love munching on this salad as a light lunch or a side dish. It’s super quick to make too—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast provides a great source of protein. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage is tender and crunchy, perfect for salads. If you can’t find it, use regular green cabbage or even romaine lettuce for a different texture.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarin oranges add a nice sweetness. Canned oranges are fine too—just make sure they are drained well to avoid sogginess. Pineapple chunks can also work.
Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great swap! It won’t have the same kick, but it’ll still taste good.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Crunchy?
Keeping the salad fresh and crunchy is key! Here are some tips:
- Prep your veggies just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Dress the salad just before you eat. This helps avoid soggy veggies.
- Add the crispy wonton strips right before serving for maximum crunch. They will soften if left in the dressing.
By following these steps, your salad will be as fresh and crunchy as possible, making every bite enjoyable!
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled into ribbons or thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup crispy fried wonton strips or fried crispy noodles
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy nights or a fresh, light lunch! Just gather your ingredients, throw them together, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced Napa cabbage, carrot ribbons, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and mandarin orange segments. Toss these ingredients gently to mix them well.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce (if you want some heat), and toasted sesame seeds until everything is well combined. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to mix everything well, making sure that the chicken and veggies are nicely coated in that tasty dressing.
4. Add the Crunch:
Just before you serve, sprinkle the crispy fried wonton strips or crispy noodles over the top of the salad for an extra crunch. This will keep them crisp and delicious!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by sprinkling additional toasted sesame seeds and a few extra cilantro leaves on top for a lovely garnish. Serve the salad right away with salad servers so everyone can dig in. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad!
This salad balances tender chicken, crunchy veggies, sweet mandarin oranges, and toasted nuts with a delightful and tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Salad?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is the classic choice, you can also use grilled shrimp, tofu for a vegetarian option, or even shredded pork. Just ensure the protein is fully cooked before adding it to the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make the salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding tofu or tempeh as the protein source. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and ensure any added toppings are vegan-friendly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prep most of the salad ingredients ahead of time! Chop the veggies and shred the chicken, then store them separately in the fridge. Just mix everything together and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
