Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is the star here! You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or swap it for poached chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Napa and Red Cabbage: These provide crunch and vibrant color. If you can’t find Napa cabbage, regular green cabbage works too. You could also use kale for a leafy twist.

Carrots: Shredded or julienned carrots add sweetness and crunch. You could substitute them with bell peppers or cucumber for a different texture.

Cilantro: This herb adds freshness. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or omit it entirely.

Dressing Ingredients: Soy sauce and rice vinegar are traditional. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar.

How Can I Make Sure My Salad Is Extra Crunchy?

The key to that satisfying crunch in this Chinese Chicken Salad is using fresh, crisp ingredients. Make sure to wash and dry your veggies well. Here’s how to achieve maximum crunch:

• Cut the cabbage and veggies just before serving to keep them fresh.
• If using chow mein noodles, add them right before serving for that delightful crunch!
• Toast your nuts lightly before adding them for an extra flavor boost.

With these tips, you’ll get a salad that’s not only tasty but also has a fantastic texture!

Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 3 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, toasted
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional for extra crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. If you’re using leftover chicken, it’s even quicker! After you prep all your veggies and toss the salad together, it’s ready to serve, or you can let it chill in the fridge for a bit to meld the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Veggies:

In a large salad bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, celery, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Mix them gently to get them well blended and colorful!

2. Add the Chicken:

Next, add the cooked, shredded chicken to the veggie mixture. Toss everything together softly to make sure the chicken is distributed evenly throughout the salad.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if you’d like a kick of heat. Taste and adjust with a little salt and pepper if needed.

4. Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything very well to coat the veggies and chicken evenly with that wonderful dressing. This step makes all the difference!

5. Add the Crunch:

Right before you serve, sprinkle the toasted nuts, black sesame seeds, and chow mein noodles on top for that satisfying crunch factor that adds to the salad’s texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is now ready! You can serve it right away or let it sit in the fridge for a bit to allow the flavors to mingle more. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad!

FAQ for Easy Chinese Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the salad.

What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it or substitute with fresh parsley for a similar fresh flavor. You can also use green onions if you want to keep some herby notes in the salad.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crunch, it’s best to store the crispy toppings (like chow mein noodles and nuts) separately and add them just before serving.

Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. This will give you a delicious vegan version that’s just as satisfying!