This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is super refreshing, making it perfect for summer! It mixes crisp veggies, juicy chicken, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s a great way to clean out your fridge! I love adding extra peanuts for that extra crunch—who can resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using cooked chicken breast, which you can shred yourself or buy pre-cooked. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option too! For a lighter meal, shredded tofu or chickpeas can swap in for a vegetarian version.
Napa Cabbage: This gives a nice crunch and flavor. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage, bok choy, or even kale can work as substitutions.
Mandarin Oranges: These add sweetness. If you want a different flavor, fresh pineapple chunks or diced apples would be tasty alternatives, but be sure to adjust the dressing for sweetness!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or thinly sliced mint makes a great substitute.
Crispy Wonton Strips: These provide crunch but can be swapped with tortilla chips or omitted entirely if you want to keep it lighter—nuts can add some crunch and healthy fats!
How Do I Get the Dressing Just Right?
The dressing for this salad is easy and flavorful, but getting it balanced is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by whisking the soy sauce and rice vinegar—this combo gives a nice tang.
- Add sesame oil for richness, honey (or sugar) for sweetness, and grated ginger for warmth. The ginger can be adjusted based on how strong you want that flavor.
- Finish with minced garlic and chili paste if you want some heat. Taste as you go! If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or more sugar.
This flexibility helps you tailor the dressing to your liking, so feel free to adjust until it’s perfect for you!
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
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup cashews (or toasted peanuts)
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips or fried wonton wrappers
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional for some heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing ingredients, and then it’s ready to serve! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner during the hot summer months.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sliced Napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, mandarin orange segments, carrot ribbons, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili paste (if you like a bit of spice). Whisk until well combined and smooth.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. This is where the flavors start to come alive!
4. Add Crunch and Garnish:
Sprinkle the salad with cashews, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds for that crunchy texture. This step adds a delightful contrast to the freshness of the veggies.
5. Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or leave it in the bowl for a casual presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy! This salad pairs beautifully with chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal.
Enjoy your vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful Easy Chinese Chicken Salad—it’s a delicious way to stay cool and satisfied during warm weather!
FAQs About Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time! However, it’s best to wait until just before serving to add the dressing and crunchy toppings like wonton strips to prevent them from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate to maintain texture and freshness when you’re ready to eat!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix in other veggies you enjoy! Bell peppers, cucumbers, and snap peas make great additions for extra crunch and color. Just chop them up to roughly match the sizes of the other ingredients for a balanced salad.
