This Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a crunchy and colorful delight! It features juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and a tasty dressing that brings everything together.
You can whip this up in a flash for lunch or dinner. I love how refreshing it is, and it’s perfect for those busy days when you want something healthy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken is key for this salad. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using shredded tofu or chickpeas instead!
Napa Cabbage: This has a crunchy texture and mild flavor. If it’s not available, regular cabbage or even kale works as a good replacement.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add color and sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, pre-shredded carrots save time. You could also swap them for thinly sliced bell peppers.
Mandarin Oranges: These provide a burst of sweetness. Canned pineapple chunks or fresh orange segments can work too if you’re looking for a change!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can serve as great alternatives!
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts give crunch. You can substitute with cashews or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
How Do I Make Sure the Dressing is Well Balanced?
The dressing is super important as it ties all the flavors together. The goal is to have it balance salty, sweet, and tangy. Start by mixing your soy sauce and rice vinegar for a nice base. Then, taste after adding honey and ginger.
- For a sweeter dressing, add more honey or sugar.
- If it’s too salty, a pinch of sugar can help balance it out.
- Make it spicy by adding a bit of chili paste or red pepper flakes!
Remember, you can always adjust to your taste, so don’t hesitate to experiment until it feels just right!
Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted if desired)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you can let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes if you want to enhance the flavors. All in all, you’re looking at around 45 minutes if you want it chilled. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken, thinly sliced napa cabbage, shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, drained mandarin oranges, sliced green onions, and roughly chopped cilantro. Give it a nice stir to combine all the fresh ingredients.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is mixed well so the flavors come together perfectly.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Now it’s time to pour that tasty dressing over your salad ingredients. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This is where the magic happens, mixing those wonderful flavors!
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once your salad is well mixed, it’s time to add the crunchy toppings! Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts, crispy fried shallots, and sesame seeds on top. This adds an amazing crunch and even more flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together nicely. Serve and enjoy the refreshing taste!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even shredded turkey for this salad. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded for easy mixing with the other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Napa Cabbage?
If you can’t find napa cabbage, you can substitute it with green cabbage or even romaine lettuce. Both options will still add a nice crunch to your salad!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Just add the dressing when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this salad vegetarian, simply replace the cooked chicken with extra vegetables, tofu, or chickpeas for added protein. The dressing is already vegetarian-friendly, so just toss it in with your veggies and enjoy!
