Description
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a culinary masterpiece that’s as healthy as it is delightful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 11 oz mandarin oranges, drained and dried
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the dressing ingredients. In a clean jar, combine the hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter (if using), soy sauce, ground ginger, peanut oil, minced garlic, and honey. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all the components are well mixed and emulsified. Once combined, place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill while you assemble the salad.
- Next, take your large serving dish and lay a foundation of chopped iceberg lettuce and shredded Napa cabbage. This creates a crunchy and fresh base for your salad. For a light drizzling, pour just enough of the chilled dressing over the greens to lightly coat them, giving the salad a flavor kick right from the start.
- Now it’s time to build your salad! Start by adding the diced cooked chicken on top of the dressed greens for protein. Next, layer the julienned carrots over the chicken for added crunch. Then, gently fold in the sweet slices of mandarin oranges, giving each bite a hint of sweetness. Sprinkle the diced green onions for an aromatic finish and an extra layer of flavor.
- Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches! Sprinkle sliced almonds, crunchy chow mein noodles, and crispy wonton strips on top of the salad for texture and a delightful crunch. These components add not just flavor but also visual appeal to the dish. Drizzle with more dressing if desired, then serve immediately for the freshest experience.
Notes
Make sure to dry the mandarin oranges well; this prevents excess moisture that could make the salad soggy. If serving later, store the salad and dressing separately to keep the greens crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 28 g