If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crunchy, and utterly satisfying dish that feels both refreshing and indulgent, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with crisp Napa cabbage, juicy mandarin oranges, tender chicken, and a tantalizingly tangy dressing, this salad brings together textures and flavors that will have you reaching for second helpings without hesitation. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty, delivering a colorful meal that feels like a celebration on your plate every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe, let’s talk essentials. The ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to contribute a delightful crunch, a burst of sweetness, and layers of flavor that make this salad anything but ordinary.
- Napa cabbage: 4 cups shredded for a mild, crisp base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- Iceberg lettuce: 3 cups chopped to add extra crunch and freshness.
- Cooked chicken: 2 ½ cups diced, providing hearty protein to keep you satisfied.
- Carrots: 1 cup julienned, adding vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
- Mandarin oranges: 11 oz., drained and patted dry to bring juicy bursts of citrusy brightness.
- Green onions: 1/3 cup diced, giving a sharp, fresh bite that complements the other veggies.
- Chow mein noodles: ½ cup to introduce a light crispiness and Asian flair.
- Crispy wonton strips: ½ cup for an irresistible crunchy texture.
- Sliced almonds: ¼ cup adds nuttiness and extra crunch.
- Toasted sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons to sprinkle a subtle, nutty aroma.
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons to deliver a gentle tang that brightens the dressing.
- Hoisin sauce: 2 tablespoons, several layers of sweet and savory goodness.
- Peanut oil: 2 tablespoons (or substitute with avocado, vegetable, or canola oil) for a smooth, rich base.
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons for that vital umami kick.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon to balance the tartness with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced, lending aromatic depth.
- Peanut butter (optional): 1 teaspoon for a creamy, nutty twist.
- Toasted sesame seed oil: ¾ teaspoon to enhance the sesame flavor in the dressing.
- Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon for gentle warmth and spice.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining all the dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger—into a jar with a lid or a mini food processor. Shake vigorously or blend briefly until everything is emulsified and silky smooth. Set the dressing aside in the refrigerator; chilling it allows the flavors to meld while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Grab a large platter or salad bowl and layer the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce as your crisp, leafy foundation. Drizzle a portion of the chilled dressing over this bed of greens—this ensures every bite is tantalizingly flavorful right from the start.
Step 3: Add the Vibrant Toppings
Next, artistically scatter the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions over the greens. These ingredients not only complement each other in taste but also create a stunning contrast of colors that make your salad irresistibly inviting.
Step 4: Final Crunch and Finish
Give the salad a generous drizzle of the remaining dressing, then top with crunchy elements like sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These textures bring the salad to life and create a perfect balance with the tender and juicy components.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can elevate this salad further by adding a burst of aromatic freshness. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add thinly sliced fresh chili. A wedge of lime on the side also brightens each mouthful beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe shines beautifully as a standalone meal for lunch or light dinner. If you want to turn it into a fuller feast, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls for an extra layer of texture and flavor harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve the salad in individual lettuce cups for a fun finger-food experience or in clear glass jars layered with the dressing at the bottom to keep ingredients crisp until mealtime. These ideas make your meal not just delicious but also visually exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though this salad rarely lasts long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the salad fresh and crisp, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before eating.
Freezing
This salad is not well-suited for freezing due to its fresh ingredients and crunchy textures. The leafy greens and crispy toppings tend to lose their appeal after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad designed to be enjoyed fresh and crisp, reheating is not recommended. Instead, prepare smaller portions to enjoy immediately or within a day or two for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly for this salad, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
What can I substitute for the mandarin oranges?
If you don’t have mandarin oranges on hand, canned pineapple chunks (drained) or fresh orange segments are great alternatives, bringing similar sweetness and juiciness.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and boost the protein with tofu cubes or edamame. The dressing and crisp veggies keep the salad just as satisfying.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
What’s the best way to keep the crunch in this salad?
Adding the crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles and wonton strips right before serving is key. Also, keep the dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers so the veggies don’t get soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something fresh, crunchy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. Go ahead, give it a whirl and watch it become a family favorite!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad combines crisp Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce with tender cooked chicken, fresh mandarin oranges, and crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles and sliced almonds. A flavorful homemade dressing featuring hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil ties the salad together, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
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
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ¼ 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)
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients—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 until fully combined or blend briefly in a mini food processor for a smoother texture. Refrigerate the dressing while preparing the rest of the salad.
- Assemble Salad: On a large platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce as the base. Drizzle with a portion of the prepared dressing to lightly coat the greens.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions over the dressed greens. Drizzle additional dressing as desired to enhance flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the top of the salad with sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and crunch. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side if preferred.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for convenience.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- The peanut butter in the dressing is optional but adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Ensure mandarin oranges are thoroughly drained to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and verify that chow mein noodles and wonton strips are gluten-free or omitted.
