Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
Why Make This Chinese Chicken Salad
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for any meal. It features tender shredded chicken paired with crisp salad greens and colorful vegetables, all tossed together with a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with nutrition, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or as a light lunch. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to please both the eyes and the palate.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
Creating this Chinese Chicken Salad is straightforward and fun! The preparation involves just a few simple steps, and you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Let’s dive into the process!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, chopped cilantro, and drained mandarin oranges.
Step 2: Mixing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger to make a zesty dressing.
Step 3: Combining
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring every bite is coated in the flavorful dressing.
Step 4: Finishing
Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad
Pair this salad with a light soup for a complete meal, or serve it as a refreshing side dish during a summer barbecue. It’s also great on its own for a quick lunch. For a little extra crunch, you can top it with additional sliced almonds or crispy wonton strips.
How to Store Chinese Chicken Salad
To store any leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. If you want to keep the salad crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Chicken Salad
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- Customize your salad by adding ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or crispy noodles for extra texture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Noodle Salad: Toss in some cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a heartier meal.
- Fruit Fusion: Replace mandarin oranges with diced apples, pears, or chopped mango for a different fruity twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time but keep the dressing separate. Toss them together just before serving to maintain freshness.
What type of greens work best for this salad?
Mixed greens provide a nice variety, but you can also use romaine, spinach, or kale based on your preference.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep as it stays fresh in the refrigerator for a couple of days when stored properly.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
You can use olive oil for a milder flavor, but it will lose the unique taste of sesame oil.
Can I add more protein to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like edamame, chopped nuts, or seeds for extra protein and crunch.
Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a combination of flavors, textures, and colors, all in one bowl. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad has you covered. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite ingredients or variations. Enjoy every bite of this fresh and vibrant dish!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful blend of flavors and textures featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp salad greens, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, chopped cilantro, and drained mandarin oranges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger to make a zesty dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring every bite is coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
