This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is full of crunchy veggies and tender chicken, making it a light and tasty dish. With a yummy dressing, every bite is refreshing and enjoyable!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a must for protein. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great! You can also use grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Napa Cabbage: Its crunch is essential! If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage or even kale can work in a pinch, though they’ll be slightly more robust.
Lettuce: I like using romaine for its crispness, but green leaf lettuce is just as good. You can go for arugula too for a peppery kick!
Mandarin Oranges: They bring sweetness to the salad. You can substitute with pineapple or apple slices if you prefer something different or if mandarins aren’t available.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a ton of flavor! If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley or mint for a unique twist.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Salad is Extra Crunchy?
The secret to a crunchy salad is all about combining fresh veggies and topping them right! Make sure to prep your veggies just before serving, so they stay crisp.
- Shred the carrots thinly or make ribbons with a vegetable peeler for better texture.
- Use crispy wonton strips right before serving — they’ll lose crunch if left in the salad too long.
- Don’t forget to toast your nuts! Lightly toasting cashews brings out their flavor and gives extra crunch.
These steps will help keep your salad fresh and crunchy, making every bite enjoyable!
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine or green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup cashews, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips or fried wonton noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional for mild heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. If you use pre-cooked chicken, the salad comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a speedy lunch or dinner. Allow around 5 minutes to mix up the dressing and toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (if you like a little heat). It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet!
2. Assemble the Salad Base:
Grab a large salad bowl and mix together the shredded chicken, thinly sliced Napa cabbage, chopped lettuce, carrot ribbons, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. This colorful mix will be the foundation of your salad!
3. Add the Fruit and Nuts:
Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments and toasted cashews. These add a delightful sweetness and crunch—just what you need to brighten up the salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together well. Ensure every ingredient is nicely coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Add Crisp Texture:
Right before you serve, sprinkle on the crispy wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds. This will give your salad that extra crunch that everyone loves!
6. Serve:
Divide the salad into individual plates or bowls. Enjoy immediately to keep those wontons nice and crispy. Yum!
This vibrant, crunchy salad features tender chicken paired with fresh veggies and a bright, tangy-sweet dressing. With juicy mandarin oranges and aromatic sesame, it’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it to the salad — it will save time and add great flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Napa Cabbage?
If you can’t find Napa cabbage, regular green cabbage or even shredded broccoli slaw makes a great substitute. Just keep in mind that different greens have slightly different textures and flavors, so pick one that suits your taste best!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the wonton strips separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their crunchiness!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegan by replacing the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Use a vegan-friendly dressing, swapping honey for maple syrup or agave, and you’re all set for a delicious vegan twist!
