Chinese chicken salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that beautifully combines the crispness of fresh vegetables with tender chicken and a variety of savory dressings. It’s a versatile meal option that can be served as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a side dish at gatherings.
The fusion of flavors—from the crunch of cabbage to the sweetness of mandarin oranges—makes this salad a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll explore seven delectable Chinese chicken salad recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Recipe 1: Classic Chinese Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: claudiastable.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: If not using leftover chicken, cook and shred the chicken breast.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, and sliced almonds.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for better flavor.
Recipe 2: Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: wonkywonderful.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, etc.)
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the Base: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and slivered almonds.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Mix and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Recipe 3: Spicy Szechuan Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: lightorangebean.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Szechuan sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, mixed greens, bell pepper, and carrots.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Szechuan sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts before serving.
Recipe 4: Crispy Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: myfoodstory.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fried chicken strips, chopped
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup crispy wontons
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, add chopped romaine, cucumber, and fried chicken strips.
- Whisk Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar, whisking until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Pour dressing over the salad, toss well, and top with crispy wontons before serving.
Recipe 5: Grilled Chicken and Mango Salad
Photo Credit: myfoodstory.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Grill the chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice it into strips.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mixed greens, diced mango, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Add the grilled chicken to the salad, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine.
Recipe 6: Chicken and Avocado Salad
Photo Credit: lecremedelacrumb.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 avocado, diced
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced avocado, mixed greens, and cilantro.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Recipe 7: Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: cookingforkeeps.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded (green or purple)
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and enough water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well to coat, and serve.
Conclusion
Chinese chicken salads are not only versatile and delicious but also easy to prepare. With these seven delectable recipes, you can cater to various tastes and preferences, from classic combinations to spicy twists. Each recipe allows for customization, encouraging you to experiment with ingredients that suit your palate.
So whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a light meal, these salads are sure to impress. Grab your ingredients and start crafting your own delicious variations today!