This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a perfect light dish for summer. With crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing, it’s refreshing and full of flavor!
It’s so colorful that you might want to take a picture before eating! I love making a big bowl to share at picnics—everyone goes back for seconds! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is a great choice here. You can also use rotisserie chicken for ease! If you’re vegetarian, consider using shredded tofu or chickpeas to keep that protein level up.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage has a mild flavor and crunchy texture. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular green cabbage or even bok choy as both add a nice crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can be used instead for a different flavor profile.
Mandarin Oranges: Whether you use canned or fresh, both work well! You can swap oranges with pineapple chunks for a tropical twist or leave them out for a simpler salad.
How Do I Get the Dressing Just Right?
The dressing is essential for flavor! Start with a balance of soy sauce and rice vinegar, then tweak to your taste. If it’s too salty, add a bit more vinegar or honey. With fresh ginger and garlic, always use fresh for the best punch—powdered versions lack that vibrant kick.
- Whisk ingredients together until well combined and the honey/sugar dissolves.
- Adjust flavors as you taste it—more vinegar for tang or more honey for sweetness!
- Letting it sit for a bit helps the flavors really come together.
Remember, taste as you go so the dressing is just perfect for your salad!
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green and white parts separated)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/3 cup cashews, roughly chopped or whole
- 1/4 cup crispy fried wonton strips (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (extra for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy summer day. Just a little time to mix and chop, and in no time, you’ll have a gorgeous salad ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and the chili garlic sauce (if using). Stir in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to combine the flavors nicely.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the 4 cups of shredded Napa cabbage, 1 cup of shredded green cabbage, 2 medium shredded carrots, and the white parts of the 3 sliced scallions. Add in the 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast, making sure everything is well combined.
3. Add the Fruit and Herbs:
Gently fold in the 1 cup of mandarin orange segments, the 1/3 cup of chopped cashews (setting aside a few for garnish), and the 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves. This adds color and freshness to your salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together gently until well-coated with the dressing. Make sure every bite is flavorful!
5. Add Toppings:
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crispy fried wonton strips, the green parts of the scallions, extra toasted sesame seeds, and the reserved cashews for added texture and crunch.
6. Serve:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with other light Asian-inspired dishes or can stand alone as a refreshing main course. Optionally, you can offer extra dressing on the side for those who love a little more flavor!
Enjoy this vibrant, crunchy, and tangy Chinese Chicken Salad that’s perfect for your summer meals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works great here. Just shred it up, and you’ll save time in the kitchen. Rotisserie chicken is also an excellent option if you’re in a hurry!
What If I Don’t Have Napa Cabbage?
No problem! You can substitute Napa cabbage with regular green cabbage or even bok choy if you prefer. Both will provide a nice crunch to the salad, just like Napa cabbage!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately ahead of time. Just mix them together right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy. Dressings can be stored in the fridge for about a week!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, be aware that the crispy wonton strips may lose their crunch. For the best taste, enjoy the salad fresh!
