Description
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad combining shredded Napa cabbage, iceberg lettuce, diced chicken, and mandarin oranges, tossed with a flavorful, homemade sesame-ginger dressing and topped with crispy chow mein noodles, wonton strips, almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. This refreshing salad is perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 11 oz. mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
- â…“ cup green onions, diced
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ÂĽ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
- Âľ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Combine rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger in a jar with a lid. Shake well to combine or blend briefly in a mini food processor to blend flavors. Refrigerate the dressing while preparing the salad ingredients.
- Assemble Salad Base: Arrange shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce on a large platter or in a salad bowl. Drizzle a portion of the prepared dressing evenly over the greens to lightly coat.
- Add Protein and Vegetables: Top the dressed greens with diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions, arranging them evenly for balance in each serving.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Drizzle additional dressing over the assembled salad for more flavor. Then sprinkle sliced almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds over the top to add a delightful texture contrast.
- Serve: Present the Chinese chicken salad immediately, serving any extra dressing on the side to allow guests to add as desired. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crisp and refreshing qualities.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a nut-free option, omit peanuts and peanut butter from the dressing and substitute with an extra tablespoon of oil.
- Mandarin oranges should be well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the dressing in advance to enhance flavor melding.
- Customize vegetables by adding bell peppers or cucumbers if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra tofu or chickpeas.
