– **Title**: Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 4 cups mixed greens (like Romaine, cabbage, or spinach)
– 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or peanuts)
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
– 1/2 cup chow mein noodles (optional, for crunch)
– **Dressing**:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
– 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed greens, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, green onions, and chopped cilantro (if using).
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), ginger, and garlic until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. Add the sliced almonds (or peanuts) and sesame seeds, then toss again.
5. If desired, top with chow mein noodles right before serving for added crunch.
6. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld, then enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is the star here. Rotisserie chicken is a handy option since it’s already cooked and packed with flavor. If you want to go meatless, try chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost!
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage type has a nice crunch and mild flavor that’s perfect for salads. If you can’t find it, bok choy or regular green cabbage are good alternatives. Just slice them finely.
Mandarin Oranges: Fresh mandarin oranges add a juicy sweetness. Canned is fine too – just make sure to drain them well. Pineapple chunks could work nicely as a substitute, adding a different twist!
Crispy Fried Shallots: These are optional, but they give a lovely crunch. If you don’t have them, feel free to use crispy onions or omit them. Sunflower seeds can also add some nice texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Is Well-Mixed?
Tossing a salad might seem easy, but doing it the right way keeps everything nicely blended. Here’s a simple method:
- Start with your hearty ingredients like Napa cabbage and carrots. These form a good base for mixing.
- Add the chicken on top, so you can gently fold it without breaking it apart.
- Use a large spatula or two forks to lift and mix from the bottom. Be gentle with the mandarin oranges, so they don’t squish!
Finally, pour the dressing over the top and toss again to get an even coat. Enjoy a salad that’s colorful and tasty!
Quick And Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or peanuts
- 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Chinese sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’d like to let the salad sit to enhance the flavors, you can refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes. It’s a quick dish that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by getting a large salad bowl. Throw in the shredded Napa cabbage, grated carrots, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Stir them together gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, add the cooked chicken on top of the colorful vegetable mix. This will be a nice hearty addition to your salad!
3. Fold in the Refreshing Ingredients:
Now, carefully fold the mandarin oranges and chopped cilantro into the salad. This will bring a lovely sweetness and fresh flavor to your dish.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Chinese sesame dressing all over the salad. Use a spoon or spatula to toss everything together gently, ensuring all the ingredients are coated in the dressing.
5. Add Crunch and Serve:
Top your salad with the slivered almonds or peanuts for that delightful crunch. If you’re using crispy fried shallots, sprinkle those on as well for extra texture. You can serve it right away, or if you want to let the flavors meld, pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your refreshing salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, or leftover grilled chicken works well too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded or diced before adding it to the salad!
What Can I Substitute for Napa Cabbage?
If you can’t find Napa cabbage, feel free to use regular green cabbage or even shredded romaine lettuce. Just keep in mind that different cabbages may have slightly different flavors and textures, but they’ll work just fine!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, as this will help prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Yes, you can customize your salad! Consider adding cucumbers, snap peas, or even avocado for extra nutrition. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients!
