Chinese Chicken Salad: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Home Cooks

Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Home Cooks

Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that combines the crispness of fresh vegetables with the rich flavours of a homemade dressing.

Perfect for any occasion, this salad not only tastes fantastic but is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favourite among busy home cooks.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a quick meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

What Makes This Chinese Chicken Salad Special?

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser, boasting vibrant colours and textures. The best part? You can whip it up in no time without the need to turn on your oven or stove.

Using leftover or rotisserie chicken simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on the delicious homemade dressing and fresh ingredients.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create this mouthwatering salad:

  • Napa cabbage: Shredded for crunch
  • Iceberg lettuce: Chopped for freshness
  • Cooked chicken: Diced; rotisserie chicken works great
  • Carrots: Julienned for sweetness
  • Mandarin oranges: Drained for a burst of flavour
  • Green onions: Diced for a mild onion taste
  • Chow mein noodles: For added crunch
  • Crispy wonton strips: An extra crispy topping
  • Sliced almonds: For nutty flavour
  • Toasted sesame seeds: To enhance the overall taste

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a jar with a lid, combine rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (optional), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger. Shake well to combine and refrigerate while preparing the salad.
  2. Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter or in a bowl, arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce. Drizzle with a small amount of the dressing.
  3. Add Chicken and Vegetables: Top the greens with diced chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions.
  4. Finish with Toppings: Drizzle more dressing over the salad, then sprinkle on chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Serve: Offer the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add more as desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salad

  • Crunchy Toppings: Use La Choy Chow Mein Noodles and Mee Tu Chinese Noodles for cost-effective crunchy toppings. These are usually found in the Asian aisle of your local grocery store.
  • Roast Your Sesame Seeds: For the best flavour, ensure your sesame seeds are roasted. You can toast them yourself in a skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes.
  • Nut Variations: You can also use honey-roasted peanuts, cashews, or walnuts to add extra flavour and texture.
  • Hoisin Sauce: The Sun Luck brand of hoisin sauce is a tasty choice for this recipe.
  • Add-Ons: Get creative! Goat cheese, avocado, red cabbage, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, baby corn, shrimp, or bell peppers can all enhance this salad.
  • Crispy Chicken Option: Feel free to swap in crispy fried chicken tenders for a different flavour profile.

Storage Tips

While this Chinese Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Store the salad components separately in airtight containers for up to two days.

Just toss everything together before serving, and give the dressing a shake to mix it well again.

Nutritional Information

This salad not only tastes great but also provides a healthy balance of nutrients. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: 426
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 66mg
  • Sodium: 704mg
  • Potassium: 502mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Vitamin A: 5737 IU
  • Vitamin C: 5mg
  • Calcium: 61mg
  • Iron: 3mg

FAQs about Chinese Chicken Salad

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, grilled or fried chicken can also work well in this salad.

What if I don’t have mandarin oranges?

You can substitute with other canned fruits like pineapple or fresh fruits such as apple slices.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free, and check the labels on noodles.

How long can I store the salad?

You can store the salad components separately for up to two days before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include any fresh vegetables you enjoy.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a versatile, quick, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colours and flavours, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

So why not give it a try? You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate this restaurant-style salad in the comfort of your own home.

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