This Chinese Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a tasty dressing that ties it all together. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.
You won’t believe how fresh and vibrant this salad is! I love adding some crispy noodles on top for that extra crunch. It’s a delightful treat that makes me feel great every time I have it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for its flavor and convenience. If you have grilled chicken or any leftover chicken, that works well too. For a lighter option, tempeh or tofu can replace chicken for a vegetarian salad.
Mixed Salad Greens: While romaine and iceberg are popular, feel free to mix in arugula or spinach for added nutrition. If you don’t have a salad blend, just use whatever greens you have on hand!
Peanuts/Almonds: I love adding crunchy peanuts, but you can substitute with sliced almonds or cashews. For those with nut allergies, you can skip them completely or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
Chow Mein Noodles: These add a nice crunch! If you can’t find them, crispy wonton strips work well. You can also use tortilla chips for a fun twist.
How Do I Make a Tasty Dressing for My Salad?
Making the dressing is simple and can elevate your salad. Start with the soy sauce as the base for saltiness. Then, add rice vinegar for tanginess and sesame oil for a rich flavor. Here’s a quick guide:
- Whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Add honey or sugar for sweetness and adjust based on your taste.
- Incorporate minced garlic and ginger for an aromatic kick.
- Taste the dressing and add salt or pepper as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Finally, drizzle it over your salad just before serving for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie or grilled chicken)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, or a salad blend)
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or sliced almonds (optional)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a fresh lunch or dinner. Just chop, mix, whisk, and you’re ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Mix:
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, salad greens, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. This creates a colorful and crunchy base for your salad!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix until it’s nice and smooth. This dressing will add lots of flavor to your salad!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are coated well with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle in the chopped peanuts or sliced almonds. Just before serving, add the chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips to keep them nice and crunchy. This step adds a delightful texture to your salad!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before you serve, garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch. Enjoy your refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad right away! It’s perfect as a meal on its own or as a side dish.
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use grilled chicken breast, poached chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken, which is both convenient and flavorful. Just ensure that it’s cooked and shredded for the best texture in your salad.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still work well in the dressing!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Just toss everything together before enjoying your leftovers!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for extra crunch. You can also add proteins like shrimp or tofu for a more filling meal!
