why make this recipe
Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it a great choice for lunch or dinner. It is quick to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a tasty dressing will surely satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken!
how to make Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients :
- 3 cups finely chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup jarred mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 instant ramen packet, crushed (flavor packet discarded)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions :
- In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, red cabbage, chicken, mandarin oranges, crushed ramen noodles, carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, honey, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
- Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified.
- Before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
how to serve Chinese Chicken Salad
You can serve Chinese Chicken Salad in large bowls or individual plates. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish alongside other meals. Adding extra sliced almonds or mandarin oranges on top can make it look even more appealing.
how to store Chinese Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to keep the salad crisp. The salad can last for about 1-2 days in the fridge.
tips to make Chinese Chicken Salad
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color.
variation
You can easily adapt this salad by adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu. You can also experiment with various nuts and seeds, or add fruits like apples or pears for added sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free ramen.
Can I meal prep this salad?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups finely chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded chicken Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- 1/2 cup jarred mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 packet instant ramen, crushed (flavor packet discarded)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot Fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor and crunch.
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds Adding extra sliced almonds or mandarin oranges on top can enhance presentation.
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use tamari to make it gluten-free.
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil Drizzle slowly while whisking until emulsified.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, red cabbage, chicken, mandarin oranges, crushed ramen noodles, carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, honey, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
- Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified.
- Before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.