Description
A refreshing and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad that combines tender cooked chicken with crisp Napa cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and mandarin oranges, all tossed in a flavorful sesame-hoisin dressing. Topped with crunchy almonds, chow mein noodles, wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner and can be prepared in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 11 oz. mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger—in a jar with a lid. Shake well until completely blended or use a mini food processor to mix thoroughly. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the salad ingredients.
- Assemble Salad Base: In a large platter or salad bowl, arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped Iceberg lettuce evenly. Drizzle a portion of the chilled dressing over the greens to lightly coat them and enhance flavor.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions over the dressed greens. Drizzle more dressing on top to taste for extra flavor.
- Finish with Crunchy Garnishes: Sprinkle sliced almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. This adds a delightful texture contrast that complements the fresh vegetables and tender chicken.
- Serve: Present the salad immediately with extra dressing on the side for those who want to add more. Enjoy this vibrant and tasty Chinese Chicken Salad as a wholesome meal or a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra crunchy vegetables.
- The peanut butter in the dressing is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor and creaminess.
- Make sure to pat dry the mandarin oranges well to avoid making the salad soggy.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day; keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Use freshly shredded cabbage and chopped lettuce for best texture and taste.
