Chinese Chicken Salad
This Chinese Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that hits the table fast and disappears even faster. It is loaded with crisp cabbage, tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and a homemade Asian dressing that pulls everything together in the most delicious way. Whether you are looking for a hearty salad to bring to a potluck, a fresh side dish for dinner, or a smart way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is your new best friend. The crunchy wonton strips on top take it completely over the top, and the whole thing comes together in just 25 minutes. It is the kind of easy dinner or lunch salad you will find yourself making again next week and the week after that.
Because cabbage is heartier than lettuce, this salad holds up slightly better, but it will still wilt once dressed.
Store the chopped veggies and chicken in one container and the dressing in a separate jar. Do not add the wonton strips or mandarin oranges until you are ready to eat.
If already tossed, the salad is best eaten within 24 hours. The cabbage will lose its “snap” but will still taste delicious as the flavors marinate.
Absolutely! While napa cabbage is traditional and gives the salad its signature texture, you can swap in romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even a store-bought coleslaw mix for a quicker option. A mix of green cabbages also works beautifully.
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Ingredient Notes
- olive oil: Forms the smooth, rich base of the dressing.
- rice vinegar: Adds a light, gentle tang.
- soy sauce: Brings savory, umami depth to the dressing.
- honey or mirin: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- grated fresh ginger: Adds warm, fresh spice to the dressing.
- garlic: Adds savory depth to every bite.
- toasted sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that makes the dressing irresistible.
- napa cabbage: The tender, slightly sweet base of the salad.
- cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!): Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this recipe a breeze.
- sliced red cabbage: Adds beautiful color and a mild peppery crunch.
- green cabbage: Adds extra crunch and mild flavor.
- shredded carrots: Brings a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
- mandarin oranges: Sweet, juicy, and one of the best parts of this salad.
- green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- fresh cilantro: Brings bright, herby freshness to every bite.
- crispy wonton strips (optional garnish): The crunchy topping that makes this salad unforgettable.
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish): A nutty, pretty finishing touch.
Chinese Chicken Salad
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, grated garlic, and sesame oil until the dressing is well emulsified. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- In a very large salad bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, chicken, red cabbage, green cabbage, and shredded carrots.
- Add the mandarin oranges, green onions, and cilantro to the greens. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure every green is coated.
- Just before serving, top the salad with the sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips to maintain their crunch.
Chinese Chicken Salad
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Ingredients
Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or mirin
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Salad:
- 4 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (I used rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 1 15.4 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained well
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips store bought or homemade, optional garnish
- Sesame seeds optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, grated garlic, and sesame oil until the dressing is well emulsified. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- In a very large salad bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, chicken, red cabbage, green cabbage, and shredded carrots.
- Add the mandarin oranges, green onions, and cilantro to the greens.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure every green is coated.Just before serving, top the salad with the sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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