This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is fresh and full of flavor! The mix of crunchy veggies like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers pairs perfectly with tender chicken for a delightful meal.
I love how quick this salad is to whip up—just toss everything together and you’re ready to go! Plus, it’s super satisfying without weighing you down. đź’š
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or grill your own chicken breast. It can also be swapped with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage variety is key for crunch and sweetness. If not available, regular green cabbage works too! Just remember it may be slightly less sweet.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarin segments brighten the dish. You can substitute with canned peaches or any citrus fruits like tangerines or grapefruit if needed.
Roasted Cashews: These add a great nutty flavor. Almonds or peanuts make good alternatives if you’re allergic or just want a different taste.
Crispy Wonton Strips: These give a delightful crunch. If you can’t find them, try using tortilla chips or crispy rice noodles for a similar texture.
How Do I Make the Dressing Without Making a Mess?
Making the dressing is a breeze if you follow these simple steps! Gather your ingredients and a small bowl to whisk everything together.
- Start by measuring out the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mixing these liquids first helps them blend well.
- Add honey or sugar next for sweetness, followed by fresh ginger and minced garlic for that kick of flavor.
- Finally, toss in the sesame seeds and red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Pour your dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 2 large carrots, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips or fried tortilla strips
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The salad comes together quickly, so it’s perfect for a fuss-free lunch or dinner. After mixing, you can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cold!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Napa cabbage, green cabbage, carrot ribbons, mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, and cilantro leaves. Make sure to mix them gently to keep everything intact.
2. Add Crunch:
Toss the salad base gently with half of the roasted cashews and half of the crispy wonton strips. This will help mix in that delightful crunch throughout the salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if you’re in the mood for a bit of spice). Blend it until everything is well-mixed!
4. Combine:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Go slow to ensure the salad remains light and fresh!
5. Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining cashews and crispy wonton strips on top for an extra layer of crunch. You can also garnish it with more cilantro if you’d like.
6. Optional:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. If you have some dressing left over, feel free to offer it on the side for anyone who might want a little extra!
This refreshing, crunchy Chinese chicken salad mixes tender chicken with crisp vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, nutty cashews, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing—perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred it up and toss it in. If your chicken is already seasoned, it will add extra flavor to the salad.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this salad with a variety of veggies! Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumbers for extra crunch and color. Just make sure to keep them fresh and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the wonton strips crispy, store them separately and add them just before serving again.
Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for the dressing. Also, ensure that your wonton strips are gluten-free, as many store-bought options contain wheat.
