Chinese Chicken Salad

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is key for this salad. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu as a protein alternative.

Romaine Lettuce: This adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find romaine, feel free to substitute with iceberg lettuce or even spinach for a different texture.

Purple Cabbage: It brings color and a slight crunch. If you’re in a pinch, green cabbage works just as well. The flavor will be similar, although it won’t be as vibrant.

Sesame Oil: This adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use olive oil in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite the same. Toasted sesame oil is even better if you can find it!

How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well Mixed and Full of Flavor?

The key to a great salad is in the mixing and the dressing! Start by prepping all your ingredients so they’re ready to go. Mix the dry ingredients first to make sure they’re evenly distributed before adding the dressing.

• Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl, giving them a good toss.
• Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth, then pour over the salad.
• Toss gently using salad tongs or forks to coat everything evenly.
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes; this helps the flavors blend beautifully.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll have it ready to serve in no time! If you let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving, the flavors will blend even better. Enjoy a fresh and colorful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and the cooked chicken. Next, add in the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sliced almonds, and sesame seeds. If you want some extra crunch, toss in the crunchy chow mein noodles as well. Mix everything together gently so that it all blends nicely.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is mixed well and the honey or sugar is fully dissolved.

3. Combine and Serve:

Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss it gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated evenly in the dressing. For the tastiest results, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Now, enjoy your fresh and vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad!

Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or grill, bake, or poach your chicken to your preference. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the salad!

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Marinate the tofu in the same dressing for extra flavor before adding it to the salad!

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, store the dressing separately to keep the lettuce crisp. Toss everything together right before enjoying!

Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or edamame would make great additions for extra crunch and color!