This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a perfect dish for summer! It’s fresh, crunchy, and filled with delicious chicken, veggies, and a tasty sesame dressing that brings it all together.
Trust me, every bite feels like a sunny day! It’s quick to whip up, making it a go-to for lazy afternoons. Just toss everything in one bowl, and you’re ready to enjoy a light and healthy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is key for protein and ease. If you’re looking for a simple alternative, rotisserie chicken works great, saving you cooking time!
Napa Cabbage: It’s crisp and mild, perfect for salads. If you can’t find it, green cabbage can also work, but you might want to slice it thinner to maintain a similar texture.
Kale: Adds nutrients and a nice bite. You can substitute with baby spinach or arugula for a milder flavor that’s still refreshing.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro really lifts the flavor! If you’re not a fan, parsley or mint can offer a nice twist without overpowering.
Mandarin Oranges: They add sweetness and juiciness. You can swap them with diced apples or pineapple for a different fruit punch if you prefer!
How Do You Toast Sesame Seeds Properly?
Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and makes them a perfect addition to your salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a dry skillet on medium heat—no oil needed!
- Add the sesame seeds in an even layer and stir them often.
- Watch closely! It takes just 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant.
- Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning, as they can char quickly.
This simple step can significantly elevate the overall taste of your dish! Enjoy the crunch and flavor they add to the salad.
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Salad Components:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 large carrots, peeled into ribbons or grated
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cashews
- Fried wonton strips (store-bought or homemade), for garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional for spice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes washing, slicing, and mixing the ingredients, and about 10 minutes whipping up the dressing, toasting the sesame seeds, and assembling everything. It’s a quick and delightful dish perfect for those warm summer days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced Napa cabbage, chopped kale, shredded chicken, carrot ribbons, mandarin orange segments, cilantro leaves, and green onions. Toss gently to combine all the fresh ingredients nicely.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili paste if you like some heat! Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking until the dressing is well combined.
3. Toast the Sesame Seeds:
Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat, and add the sesame seeds. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside to cool a bit.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to coat. If you love a lot of flavor, go ahead and add all the dressing! Give it another gentle toss to mix well.
5. Add Toppings:
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with cashews, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy fried wonton strips. This will keep everything nice and crunchy!
6. Serve:
Plate your beautiful salad and serve it right away! You can provide any extra dressing on the side for guests to add more if they wish. Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing salad that’s perfect for sunny days!
This colorful and refreshing Chinese chicken salad combines crisp veggies, juicy mandarins, tender chicken, and a tangy-sweet sesame dressing—perfect for hot summer days!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from previous meals works great. Just make sure it’s shredded or cut into small pieces for the best texture in the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Napa Cabbage?
If you can’t find Napa cabbage, you can use green cabbage or even romaine lettuce. Just slice it thinly to maintain a similar crunchiness. Each option gives a nice texture to the salad!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, as it can make the greens wilt.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and using a plant-based dressing, like tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
