Chinese Chicken Salad

Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast; 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional); 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)

Isabella

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Jump to Recipe

A refreshing and vibrant dish, Chinese Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. With tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, this salad is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a light dressing, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Versatile: Easily customizable to suit dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy a flavorful salad throughout the week.

Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of crunchy textures and bold flavors is a hit at potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup green onions, sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.

Add the shredded chicken, toasted almonds, and crispy wonton strips (if using).

In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or edamame, and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Gluten-Free: Opt for tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that your wonton strips are gluten-free.

Nut-Free: Substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.

Spicy Twist: Increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Fruity Addition: Toss in mandarin orange segments for a sweet, citrusy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately if you plan to make the salad ahead of time.

Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it may affect the textures.

Related Recipes:

Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it and add to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

How can I add more protein?

You can include extra chicken, tofu, or even cooked shrimp for added protein.

What can I use instead of wonton strips?

Crispy rice noodles, croutons, or toasted sesame seeds make excellent substitutes.

Is the dressing spicy?

The dressing has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding or omitting the sriracha or chili paste.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant, delicious dish that’s both nutritious and versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or an impressive dish to share, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the blend of fresh ingredients and savory dressing in every bite.