Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is perfect for when you’re craving something healthy, yet satisfying and filling.
Mandarin oranges, crispy wonton strips, and a zingy ginger sesame dressing make this a simple, gourmet-tasting meal.
Ingredients For Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
- Romaine lettuce is crunchy and holds up well to the dressing.
- Cabbage adds a crispy texture that provides a crunchy bite.
- Shredded carrots bring a natural sweetness to the salad and are a great source of fiber and vitamins.
- Cooked chicken breast makes this a complete meal, adding lean protein. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can use grilled, boiled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken.
- Canned mandarin oranges add sweetness and juiciness to balance the savory and sour elements in the salad. They provide flavor and vitamin C.
- Salted cashews are rich and nutty adding a satisfying crunch as well as healthy fats.
- Green onions are mild in flavor and add freshness when sliced thinly.
- Dried cranberries are a sweet, chewy, and tangy addition that pairs well with the savory ingredients.
- Crispy wonton strips for the ultimate crunch. Add them at the end sprinkled on top so they don’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing. You can either buy them, or make them yourself. Pan fry fresh wonton wrappers in a skillet with your favorite neutral oil.
- Toasted sesame seeds are nutty and crunchy, and they look great sprinkled on top.
- Rice vinegar is light in acidity and adds the perfect amount of tang.
- Orange zest and juice brighten the salad with their fresh citrus flavor.
- Honey balances out the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the savory ingredients. It helps round out the flavors.
- Avocado oil (or your favorite oil) is light and neutral-tasting for a smooth dressing base that doesn’t overpower with its flavor.
- Sesame seed oil is key! It provides richness and warmth to the dressing.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce adds that unmistakable umami flavor without being too salty.
- Grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick!
Need more ideas? Check out these delicious recipes:
- 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad
- Easy One-Bowl Grape Salad
- Easy 20-Minute Thai Quinoa Salad
- 10-Minute Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 10-Minute Prep Mediterranean Orzo Salad
How To Make Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
- Make the dressing: in a small jar or measuring cup, mix the rice vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, honey, avocado oil, sesame seed oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame seeds until smooth
- Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl, except for the wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine
- Just before serving, add the wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds on top.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
- You can prepare all the salad components but don’t add the dressing until prior to serving. This will keep all ingredients fresh and crisp.
- Did you know you can make the dressing in bulk? It lasts for up to a week in the fridge and it works as a marinade for meats as well.
- If you feel you’re going to have leftovers don’t mix the dressing in. Let each person add the dressing to taste and store the salad components in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the store the dressing separately.
Variations & Substitutions:
- You can customize this salad to suit your taste! Use fresh orange segments or canned pineapple instead of canned mandarins,
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a twist.
- Want to go vegan? Use tofu or jackfruit instead of chicken.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers, or snap peas.
- If you need to make it gluten-free use tamari or coco aminos instead of soy sauce, and corn tortilla strips or crispy rice noodles instead of wonton strips. Crispy chickpeas work too!
- Avoid adding cashews if allergic to nuts.
Pro Tips For Making The Best Chinese Chicken Salad
- Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to develop the full flavors. Shake it well and drizzle over the individual plates. This way if you have any leftovers, they don’t become mushy.
- Boiling the boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes them easier to shred. Boil the chicken breasts in salted water for 15-20 minutes.
- Use shredded leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken to use those leftovers and save some time.
- For added flavor, marinate the shredded chicken in some of the dressing before adding it to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This is a full meal on its own! Serve it with ice cream or fresh fruit for dessert and don’t skimp on the toppings! The crunchy wonton strips, sesame seeds, and salted cashews add tons of texture and flavor. You can even add crushed ramen noodles for extra crunch!
What toppings did you add to this fresh citrusy salad? Let us know in the comments below!
Quick & Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Salad bowl
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- Zest of one orange
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 ½ tbsp avocado oil (or the neutral oil of your choice)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seed oil
- 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- ground pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded (you can use leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 1-15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- ½ cup salted cashews
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups crispy wonton strips (homemade or store bought)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (black ones for a touch of color if available)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: in a small jar or measuring cup, mix the rice vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, honey, avocado oil, sesame seed oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth
- Boil the chicken breasts in a pot of salter water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pot and shred using 2 forks.
- Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl, except for the wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine
- Just before serving, add the wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds on top.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Chicken Salad
1. Can I Use A Different Type Of Oil Instead Of Avocado And Sesame Seed?
Instead of avocado oil, you can use any neutral-tasting oil of your choice, but the toasted sesame seed oil is a key ingredient to achieve the amazing flavor of the dressing.
2. Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Instead Of Cooked Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! This is a perfect way to save time and use your leftovers! You can also use canned chicken.
3. Is There A Substitute For Mandarin Oranges?
Yes, you can use fresh orange segments or canned pineapple chunks!
4. Can I Skip The Wonton Strips?
If you don’t have them on hand or are on a gluten-free diet, you don’t have to add them. Since they add crunch, you can substitute them with chopped peanuts or more toasted sesame seeds. Crushed, uncooked ramen noodles are a great alternative!
5. What Can I Use Instead Of Cabbage?
Try it with Napa cabbage! It is just as delicious.
6. How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Do not add the chicken. Add more veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also add a vegetarian protein like tofu.
7. What’s The Easiest Way To Shred Chicken?
Using your hands is the easiest way, pulling the chicken apart along its natural grain. If you’re not comfortable using your hands, you can use two forks to do the same.
Kathy
Monday 21st of October 2024
Crumbled TOASTED Ramen noodles are a great addition AND shelled edamame. This looks very good. Can't wait to make it