Embark on a culinary journey with the delightful and vibrant flavors of Easy Chinese Chicken Salad. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures, creating a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
1. Shredded Chicken Elegance:
Begin by preparing succulent shredded chicken. You can use poached, grilled, or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a tender and flavorful base for the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad.
2. Crisp and Colorful Vegetables:
Embrace the freshness of an array of crisp vegetables. Julienne or finely chop cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. These colorful vegetables not only add visual appeal but also contribute a delightful crunch to the salad.
3. Crunchy Element with Chow Mein Noodles:
Introduce a classic element of crunch with chow mein noodles. These fried noodles bring a satisfying texture to the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad, balancing the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Sprinkle them generously for that signature crunch.
4. Nutty Sesame Flavor:
Elevate the salad with the nutty aroma of sesame seeds. Toasted sesame seeds add depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience. Sprinkle them over the salad to impart a subtle, yet distinctive, sesame essence.
5. Mandarin Orange Sweetness:
Incorporate juicy mandarin orange segments for a burst of sweetness. The natural sweetness of mandarin oranges complements the savory elements, creating a delightful contrast. These citrus gems add a refreshing and tropical touch to the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad.
6. Flavorful Dressing Magic:
Craft a flavorful dressing to tie the ingredients together. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. This dressing imparts a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor, elevating the overall taste of the salad.
7. Optional Protein Boost:
For an extra protein boost, consider adding diced tofu, edamame, or grilled shrimp to the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also cater to various dietary preferences.
8. Garnish with Fresh Herbs (Optional):
Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of herbal freshness. These optional garnishes add a vibrant touch and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad.
Assemble the ingredients in a large bowl, drizzle the dressing, and toss gently to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Serve this delightful Easy Chinese Chicken Salad as a light and satisfying meal or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, bringing the essence of Chinese cuisine to your table with minimal effort.
Details Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients For Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipes
1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
½ medium head cabbage, chopped
4 green onions, sliced
1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles (such as Nissin® Top Ramen)
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 tablespoons slivered almonds
½ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions: Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipes
Step 1: Toss chicken meat, cabbage, onions, ramen noodles, sesame seeds, and almonds together in a large bowl. Beat olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl; drizzle over the salad and toss to coat.
We used cole slaw, 1-to-1 ratio on venagar and sugar, and subbed rice vinegar. Left out the almonds and sesame seeds but those would have been good, too. A new family favorite! Health, tasty and so easy!
I’ve been making this for years! I use half of a green cabbage and half of a red cabbage. I break up the ramen noodles and toast them w the silvered (not sliced) almonds on a cookie sheet, 350 oven for at least 5 minutes. Then do it in 2 minute increments tossing them until golden. The dressing is 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, the soup seasoning packet and 1/2 cup white sugar , beat well, it will thicken up!!! I use a bag of Tyson grilled chicken strips cut into cubes with kitchen shears. Have always gotten raves on the salad and asked for recipe!
Much better when you add sliced water chestnuts!
A surprisingly good salad with chicken in Asian style. You don't need to cook ramen noodles.
I shred in carrot for color. Or, I've used two packages of the store-bought cabbage mix which has carrots and red cabbage.
I used a bag of Asian salad mix from Costco. I have also used have a bag of coleslaw mix and half a head of romaine. I routinely use grilled chicken breast. Easy and healthy.
I added another package of Top Ramien to the mix. Also the dressing needed more tang I added another tablespoon of vinegar and 1 1/2 Tb.s of sugar and a squeeze of honey and lemon! Yum
Use equal amounts of vinegar and sugar. It is always a hit.
Just really blah- years ago I made a Chinese Chicken Salad and it was delicious - I lost the recipe...wish I would have looked around on line instead of making this one.
All Nutrifacts of Easy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipes
✅Q: Can I use pre-packaged coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage for the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Certainly! Pre-packaged coleslaw mix provides convenience without compromising freshness. Adjust quantities based on your preference for a time-saving option.
✅Q: Is there a recommended alternative to rotisserie chicken for the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled, poached, or baked chicken breasts work well. Ensure they are cooked through and shred them for a tender base in the salad.
✅Q: Can I make the vinaigrette in advance for the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Yes, you can! Prepare the vinaigrette ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using to ensure the flavors are well-mixed for a quick and efficient salad assembly.
✅Q: Are there vegetarian alternatives to chicken for the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Certainly! Consider using diced tofu or edamame for a vegetarian version. These alternatives offer protein and enhance the texture of the salad. Customize based on your dietary preferences.
✅Q: Can I use a different type of noodle instead of ramen noodles in the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Explore with different noodles like soba or rice noodles for variety. Cook them according to package instructions before incorporating them into the salad for a delightful twist.
✅Q: How do I prevent the ramen noodles from becoming soggy in the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
To maintain crunch, toss the ramen noodles into the salad just before serving. Alternatively, keep them separate and add them individually to each serving for optimal texture.
✅Q: Can I omit the sugar in the vinaigrette for a lower-sugar option in the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Certainly! Adjust the vinaigrette to your taste preferences. You can reduce or omit sugar, or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a lower-sugar alternative.
✅Q: Is it necessary to toast the sesame seeds for the Easy Chinese Chicken Salad?
Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor. While optional, toasting in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes can elevate the overall taste of the salad.