This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is fresh and crunchy, perfect for summer! It features juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tasty sesame dressing that ties everything together.
Whip this up in no time, and you’ll have a light meal that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. I love serving it cold on hot days—it’s like a mini-vacation in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is the star here, providing protein. For a quick option, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, grilled tofu or chickpeas are great vegetarian substitutes.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage adds a lovely crunch and mild flavor. If it’s unavailable, regular green cabbage or even shredded Brussels sprouts will do the trick.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crispness. If you want to mix it up, try using baby spinach or arugula for a different texture and taste.
Carrots: Using ribbons or shredded carrots adds color and sweetness. You can also use bell peppers or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Mandarin Oranges: These add bursts of sweetness. If you prefer, you can use fresh pineapple, diced apples, or peaches instead for a fruity flavor.
How Can I Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing is essential for bringing flavor to your salad. Start by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey or sugar for balance. For added zing, grate fresh ginger and add minced garlic. If you like a kick, include sriracha. Mix in vegetable oil for smoothness, and finish with toasted sesame seeds to enhance flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.
- If you’re watching sugar intake, use a sugar substitute in place of honey.
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe For Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup cashews, lightly toasted
- Crispy wonton strips (about 1 cup, store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for spice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or neutral oil like canola)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fresh and colorful salad is quick to make, taking about 15-20 minutes of preparation and assembly time. It’s perfect for summer days when you want something healthy and light!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrot ribbons, mandarin oranges, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix them well.
2. Toast the Cashews:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the cashews and lightly toast them until golden and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, let them cool a bit before adding them to the salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if you like some heat). Add the vegetable oil and toasted sesame seeds, then whisk everything together until fully blended.
4. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss everything well to ensure the salad ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Add Crunch and Garnish:
Top your salad with crispy wonton strips and sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.
6. Serve:
Transfer the salad to plates or serve it in the bowl for a family-style meal. This salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal summer dish!
Enjoy this vibrant, crunchy, and tangy salad that pairs wonderfully with iced tea or a light white wine! It’s sure to be a hit at your summer gatherings!
FAQ about Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shredded chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any alternative is cooked and seasoned to your liking!
What If I Don’t Have Napa Cabbage?
No worries! Regular green cabbage or even shredded Brussels sprouts can be used instead. Both will maintain that satisfying crunch while adding a different flavor profile.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Toss with the dressing just before serving.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prep the salad ingredients and make the dressing a day in advance. Just combine everything right before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy. If using the crispy wonton strips, add them just before serving for maximum crunch!
