– **Title**: Chinese Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or roasted)
– 4 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, cabbage, and spinach)
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well blended to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Add the roasted peanuts or cashews and sesame seeds on top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover chicken you have. If you’re vegetarian, try adding chickpeas or tofu instead for protein.
Cabbage: Green and purple cabbages bring crunch and color. If you can’t find purple cabbage, you can use extra green cabbage or even napa cabbage for a milder taste.
Snap Peas: These add a sweet, crunchy element. If they’re not available, thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumbers work well too!
Mandarin Oranges: If you prefer fresh over canned, go for it! You can also substitute with other fruits like diced apples or pineapple for a twist.
Honey: If you need a vegan option, using maple syrup instead of honey works just as well for sweetness.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well-Mixed?
Tossing is key to getting all the flavors together without bruising your veggies. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use a large bowl to give yourself space.
- Add all the salad ingredients first, then the dressing.
- With clean hands or two spoons, gently lift and turn the mixture. This ensures everything is coated without crushing the vegetables.
Don’t forget to let it chill! Cooling for about 30 minutes makes a big difference, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
How to Make Delicious Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated or shredded
- 1 cup snap peas, sliced
- 1/2 cup scallions (green onions), chopped
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to let the flavors meld, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes will make it even tastier. Total time is about 45 minutes if you choose to chill it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients: the shredded chicken, green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, snap peas, chopped scallions, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, and chopped cilantro. Use your hands or two forks to gently toss everything together until well mixed. It should look bright and colorful!
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. Make sure everything is blended well and the honey or sugar is completely dissolved. This dressing will add a flavorful kick to your salad.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the delicious dressing over your salad mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. You want every bite to be full of flavor!
4. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a bit of added crunch and to make it look pretty. This is optional but highly recommended!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chinese Chicken Salad immediately for the freshest taste! If you prefer, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend even more. Either way, enjoy your delicious, homemade salad!
Can I Use Cooked Chicken from a Rotisserie?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a nice flavor to the salad. Just shred or chop enough to make up the 2 cups needed, and it’s ready to go!
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well in dressing!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Of course! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition. Just chop them up into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the other ingredients!
