Chinese Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic

If you're looking for a healthy, refreshing, and delicious meal, Chinese Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. This vibrant salad features crisp vegetables, tender chicken, crunchy toppings, and a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing that ties everything together. It’s light, satisfying, and ideal for meal prep, lunches, or a quick dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.

• Easy to Make: Takes just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh and crisp even after storing.

• Great for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser at potlucks, BBQs, or as a light lunch.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)

• 4 cups shredded napa cabbage (or regular green cabbage)

• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (for color and crunch)

• 1 cup julienned carrots

• 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper

• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (or sesame seeds for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (or crushed ramen noodles, optional)

• 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (optional, for sweetness)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)

• 1 tbsp peanut butter (or tahini for a nut-free option)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp sriracha (optional for spice)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp water (to thin if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.

2. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.

3. Add a little water if needed to adjust consistency.

4. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, napa cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.

2. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add Dressing and Toppings

1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

2. Top with sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, and mandarin oranges if using.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Breakdown

This salad is light yet packed with essential nutrients:

• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fats: 15g

• Fiber: 6g

Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Salad

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp veggies make all the difference.

• Let the Dressing Sit: Allowing the dressing to rest enhances its flavors.

• Customize It: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Make It Ahead: Store salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh until serving.

Perfect Pairings

This salad pairs wonderfully with:

• Hot and Sour Soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

• Steamed Dumplings or Spring Rolls for a satisfying side dish.

• Iced Green Tea or Ginger Lemonade for a refreshing beverage.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Salad is a crunchy, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing salad for a gathering, this recipe is a must-try!

Make it today and enjoy a fresh, delicious, and nutritious meal!