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If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious meal that combines crisp textures with bold, tangy flavors, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with crunchy Napa cabbage, tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and an irresistible dressing that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and nutty notes, this salad brings a delightful mix of colors and tastes to your table. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this recipe delivers satisfying nutrition and exciting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these simple ingredients is all it takes to create a taste sensation. Each component plays a key role: from the crispness of cabbage to the sweetness of mandarin oranges and the crunch of toasted nuts and noodles, the ingredients bring the perfect balance and vibrant texture that define the Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded: This mild cabbage provides a tender yet crunchy base packed with nutrients.
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped: Adds extra crispness and freshness to enhance the salad’s texture.
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced: Offers protein and hearty bites to make the salad filling and satisfying.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned: Adds a naturally sweet crunch and a vibrant splash of orange color.
- 11 oz. mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry: Brings juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced: Infuses a subtle sharpness and fresh aroma.
- ½ cup chow mein noodles: Provides a light, crispy texture that’s essential for that traditional crunch.
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips: Another crispy element that makes every bite exciting.
- ¼ cup sliced almonds: Adds a delicate nutty crunch that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: Enhances the salad with toasty, aromatic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a bright acidity to balance the richness of the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and slightly smoky depth to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil: Or substitute with avocado, vegetable, or canola oil for smoothness and nuttiness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the unmistakable umami punch that ties the dressing together.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Knits in a gentle sweetness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant kick to the dressing that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional): Boosts creaminess and gives an extra layer of nutty richness.
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil: For that authentic toasted aroma and flavor finishing touch.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle warmth that lifts the dressing’s character.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining all your dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid—rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, and ground ginger. Shake it vigorously until everything emulsifies into a silky, balanced dressing. If you prefer, you can pulse the ingredients in a mini food processor to get an even smoother texture. Then, refrigerate the dressing while you assemble the rest of the salad—it allows those flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Lay out your shredded Napa cabbage and chopped Iceberg lettuce on a large platter or toss them gently in a big bowl. These greens form the crisp foundation of your salad, giving every bite a refreshing crunch. Lightly drizzle some of your prepared dressing over the greens, just enough to start bringing those flavors together without sogging it down.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Fresh Veggies
Scatter the diced cooked chicken evenly on top, followed by the bright orange julienned carrots and juicy mandarin oranges. The combination of savory chicken with sweet and tender mandarins adds incredible contrast that makes the salad special. Sprinkle the diced green onions over everything for a mild pungency and a pop of green color.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Crunchy Toppings
No Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is complete without the irresistible crunch from chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. Distribute these toppings generously over the salad to deliver satisfying textures in every forkful. Finish with an extra drizzle of dressing if you like things saucier and toss gently before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an appealing final touch, consider adding fresh cilantro leaves or a few thin slices of red chili if you like a bit of heat. A wedge of lime can also bring a zesty brightness just before serving. These simple garnishes elevate the salad visually and add extra dimension to the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe shines perfectly alongside light and simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice works well for a heartier meal, while an Asian-inspired soup or miso soup serves as a comforting complement. You can also pair it with spring rolls or dumplings for a fun, shared meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual bowls or build a beautiful layered salad in a large glass bowl for a striking presentation. Another fun idea is to fill crunchy lettuce cups with the salad for a bite-sized twist. Whether plated casually or elegantly, this salad will always impress with its colorful ingredients and inviting textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To retain the crunch, store the dressing separately and toss the salad just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended as the lettuce and crunchy ingredients will lose their texture and become soggy once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, give any leftovers a gentle toss with fresh dressing to revive flavors before enjoying again cold.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save you time while adding great flavor to your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, just omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh for protein, and make sure to choose vegan-friendly hoisin sauce and adjust the dressing ingredients accordingly.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the veggies and chicken ahead of time, and make the dressing in advance, but it’s best to toss everything together right before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you can’t find mandarin oranges, canned pineapple chunks or fresh orange segments work well to add a similar sweet and juicy contrast.
How spicy is this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
It’s generally mild but packed with flavor. You can easily add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili to spice things up according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Its quick preparation and impressive taste will make it a staple in your recipe collection. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for an easy meal that feels fancy but is totally achievable. So grab those ingredients and enjoy making this fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad your own!
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Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad packed with shredded Napa cabbage, iceberg lettuce, cooked chicken, and mandarin oranges, all tossed in a flavorful homemade sesame-hoisin dressing. This refreshing salad combines an array of textures with crispy chow mein noodles, wonton strips, sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 11 oz. mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a jar with a lid or a mini food processor, combine rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger. Shake well or blend until smooth. Refrigerate the dressing to let the flavors meld while preparing the salad ingredients.
- Assemble Salad Base: On a large platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce evenly. Drizzle a portion of the prepared dressing over the greens to lightly coat them.
- Add Protein and Vegetables: Evenly distribute the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions on top of the dressed lettuce mixture.
- Top with Crunchy Elements: Sprinkle sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds generously over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Provide extra dressing on the side for individual preference. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and toppings.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast for a lean protein option; rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Drain mandarin oranges thoroughly to avoid soggy salad.
- The peanut butter in the dressing is optional but adds a nice creaminess.
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and increase nuts and tofu or chickpeas.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep toppings crunchy.
