Chinese Chicken Salad 🥗
Description: This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect dish for a light and flavorful summer meal. With pre-sliced cabbage and pre-cooked chicken, the preparation is a breeze, requiring very little effort. Bursting with vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s a delightful blend of crunchy vegetables, juicy mandarin oranges, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together.
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks 🍽️
Keywords: Fruit 🍊, Vegetable 🥬, Nuts 🥜, Weeknight 📅, < 4 Hours ⏰
Servings: 6 servings
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 415.4
- Fat Content: 32.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0g
- Sodium Content: 458.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 28.4g
- Fiber Content: 4.3g
- Sugar Content: 12.9g
- Protein Content: 7.2g
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 4 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups sliced cabbage
- 3 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 package ramen noodles, crushed (discard seasoning packet)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and pour a small amount of the prepared dressing over it. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least two hours in the refrigerator. This step infuses the chicken with flavor, making it even more delicious.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, mixed salad greens, sliced onion, mandarin orange segments, and sliced almonds. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add the marinated chicken to the salad and toss again to combine.
- Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust the dressing to your taste, adding more if desired.
- Add the Finishing Touch:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed ramen noodles over the top of the salad. The noodles add a delightful crunch, but it’s important to add them at the last minute to maintain their texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the salad to individual serving plates or bowls. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad.
Recipe Notes:
- This salad is best served fresh, as the cabbage and greens may wilt if left to sit for too long after being dressed.
- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients. You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for extra crunch and color.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or cooked edamame instead.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Experiment with different nuts such as cashews or peanuts for added variety and flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal taste.
- Get creative with your presentation by serving the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or lettuce cups for a fun and elegant twist.
This Chinese Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it the perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture. Give it a try and elevate your salad game to new heights! 🌟
