This Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant mix of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and tasty peanuts. The dressing adds a zesty kick that makes every bite exciting!
I love making this salad because it’s super simple and comes together in no time. Perfect for a busy day when I want something fresh and healthy without the hassle!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. Alternatively, you can use leftover grilled or roasted chicken, or even bake some chicken breast and shred it. It’s a great way to use leftovers!
Mixed Salad Greens: Romaine and green leaf add a nice crunch. If you want a different flavor, kale or spinach could work well. Just make sure they’re fresh to keep the salad crisp.
Cabbage: Napa or red cabbage can be substitutes for a different texture or color. I love how the crunch of cabbage adds to the overall texture of the dish.
Mandarin Oranges: If you can’t find canned mandarin oranges, fresh orange segments will do just fine. They add great sweetness and balance to the dish.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have it, you could use olive oil, though the taste will be different. Toasted sesame oil is the best choice for added depth.
How Do I Make the Dressing Perfectly?
The dressing is key to bringing the flavors together. Don’t rush this step! Start by placing the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk them until well blended. Letting the ingredients sit for a few minutes before you add it to the salad really allows the flavors to meld nicely.
- Mix everything in a medium bowl.
- Taste the dressing before combining it with the salad. Adjust the seasoning by adding more honey for sweetness or additional vinegar for brightness.
Remember, you can always add the dressing in parts to control how much you like on your salad. Enjoy!
Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine and green leaf)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional topping)
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix everything together, so you can enjoy a fresh and tasty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Salad Ingredients:
Start off by taking a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the shredded chicken, salad greens, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, mandarin oranges, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Give it a good stir so all the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Whisk The Dressing Together:
In a small bowl, gather the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. This will be the dressing for your salad!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Now, pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently—make sure all the ingredients are coated with that yummy dressing. This helps to bring out the flavors!
4. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and crispy fried onions on top for some extra crunch and flavor. You can serve the salad in a big bowl or on individual plates. Enjoy it right away for a refreshing and delightful meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is super convenient, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand—grilled, poached, or even leftover baked chicken works great. Just make sure it’s shredded for an even distribution throughout the salad!
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients in This Salad?
Yes! You can customize this salad to suit your preferences. If you don’t have mandarin oranges, you can use fresh orange segments or even diced apples for sweetness. For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Feel free to swap out the greens with spinach or mixed baby greens as well!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep most of this salad in advance! Mix the salad ingredients (except for the dressing and crispy onions) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just wait to add the dressing and crispy onions until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. Use within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture!
