Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, offering a refreshing meal option that’s both satisfying and light. This salad is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. The combination of crunchy greens, tender chicken, and sweet mandarin oranges, all brought together with a zesty ginger-sesame dressing, ensures a dish that is as vibrant in flavor as it is in appearance.

The freshness of this salad is truly its standout feature. Each bite is a mix of crisp vegetables and juicy chicken, all coated in a dressing that’s both tangy and slightly sweet. The versatility of this salad allows for easy customization, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal or a dish to impress guests, this Chinese Chicken Salad delivers on all fronts.

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Ingredients Overview

This salad’s ingredients work together to create a balanced and flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the overall taste and texture profile.

The romaine lettuce and napa cabbage provide the foundation, offering a crisp and refreshing base. Their subtle flavors allow the other ingredients to shine while adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. These greens are essential for creating that light and airy texture that makes this salad so enjoyable.

Shredded rotisserie chicken is the heart of this dish. Its tender, juicy texture pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables, and the pre-cooked nature of rotisserie chicken makes this salad quick and easy to prepare. The chicken adds a rich, savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Carrots and mandarin oranges introduce a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The carrots, whether julienned or shredded, bring an earthy sweetness and additional crunch, while the mandarin oranges add a burst of juicy sweetness that complements the savory elements.

Green onions, cilantro, and almonds or cashews act as the flavor boosters in this salad. Green onions add a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste without overpowering it. Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note that ties the flavors together. Meanwhile, the almonds or cashews contribute a satisfying crunch and a nutty richness that elevates the salad’s complexity.

Finally, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, adds a subtle nuttiness and a bit of extra crunch, rounding out the dish with a touch of elegance.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Creating this Chinese Chicken Salad is a straightforward process, yet each step is important to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Start by preparing the salad base. Thinly chop the romaine lettuce and napa cabbage, ensuring that the pieces are bite-sized and easy to eat. These greens are the foundation of the salad, so take care to chop them evenly. Place the chopped greens in a large mixing bowl.

Next, focus on the protein and extras. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any skin or bones. The chicken should be tender and juicy, so be sure to use a high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best results. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the greens.

Incorporate the carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, cilantro, and almonds or cashews into the bowl. These ingredients add layers of flavor and texture, making each bite of the salad interesting and satisfying.

The ginger-sesame dressing is the final touch that brings everything together. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rice wine vinegar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, honey, olive oil, sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, and minced garlic. Shake the jar vigorously until the ingredients are fully emulsified, creating a smooth and cohesive dressing. This dressing is a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that perfectly complements the salad.

Once the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the salad. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss the salad gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every ingredient is well-coated with the dressing. The goal is to distribute the flavors evenly so that each bite is as delicious as the last.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’re looking to change things up, consider using different nuts like pecans or walnuts instead of almonds or cashews. You can also swap out the mandarin oranges for segments of fresh grapefruit or pineapple for a tropical twist.

Make-Ahead Instructions:
To save time, you can prep the salad ingredients in advance. Store the chopped greens and shredded chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply combine all the components and toss with the dressing.

Flavor Enhancements:
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lime juice to the dressing. If you prefer a more robust ginger flavor, increase the amount of fresh grated ginger in the dressing.

Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Simply marinate the tofu in a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil before adding it to the salad.

How Long Does the Salad Last?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the greens may lose some of their crispness over time.

Can I Use a Different Dressing?
Absolutely! This salad pairs well with other dressings like peanut sauce, citrus vinaigrette, or even a light miso dressing. Feel free to experiment with flavors to find your perfect combination.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this Chinese Chicken Salad with a side of crispy spring rolls or a light vegetable soup to create a complete meal. The salad’s refreshing qualities also make it a great match for grilled meats or seafood.

As for beverages, a chilled glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully. The light, fruity notes of these drinks enhance the sweetness of the mandarin oranges and the freshness of the cilantro.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a dish that brings together a medley of fresh, vibrant ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy days or casual entertaining. With its combination of crisp greens, tender chicken, and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and let the delightful flavors of this salad brighten your table!

Ingredients

2 cups romaine lettuce, thinly chopped
2 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (I used rotisserie)
1 cup julienned or shredded carrots
1 cup mandarin oranges
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup sliced almonds (or cashews)
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

For the Ginger-Sesame Dressing:

3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

To prepare the dressing, place all the ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is well combined. This jar is perfect for storing any leftover dressing, ensuring it stays fresh throughout the week.

For the salad, gather all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Toss them together until they are thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed.

Pour the ginger-sesame dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure everything is well coated. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, flavorful salad!