Craft a vibrant Chinese chicken salad in just 20 minutes that harmoniously blends flavors with a well-balanced dressing. This crunchy, year-round main course salad embodies the mantra ‘Eat The Rainbow’ and satisfies your palate with its medley of veggies and tender chicken. Despite the diverse ingredient list, you’ll find all the necessary components at most grocery stores, eliminating any intimidation factor. For a quick and nutritious midweek dinner or lunch, this light dressing-based Chinese chicken salad is an excellent option.
Are you enamored with Asian-inspired cuisine? If so, be sure to explore these Panda Express recipes, including the mouthwatering black pepper chicken – it’s truly scrumptious. Don’t miss out on the Asian zoodle salad either.
Why You’ll Love It
When the midweek meal blues hit, a quick fix can be just what’s needed. That’s where this versatile recipe comes in – using shredded leftover chicken and a store-bought broccoli slaw package to cut down on prep time. The beauty of this dish lies in its customizability: feel free to omit any ingredients that don’t tickle your fancy, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your liking.
This recipe also excels at meal prep. By separating the salad and dressing components and storing them separately in the fridge, you can enjoy the salad throughout the week without worrying about it becoming soggy. The end result is a light yet satisfying meal that’s packed with fiber-rich veggies, leaving you feeling full but not stuffed.
How To Make Chinese Chicken Salad
To create your delicious salad, start by building its foundation. In a large bowl, combine broccoli slaw with shredded green cabbage, cooked chicken, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumbers, and almonds. Set this mixture aside for now. Next, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together the ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until they form a smooth consistency. Take a moment to taste the dressing and adjust its seasoning if needed. Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad base you prepared earlier. Add some finishing touches with green onions and cilantro before gently tossing everything together. Finally, serve your salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your perfect combination. Consider swapping out almonds for walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, or peanuts – sesame seeds are also a great option. If you’d prefer not to use nuts at all, crunchy chow mein noodles provide a nice textural contrast. For added flavor and nutrition, fold in canned mandarin oranges, sliced radishes, napa or purple cabbage, red onion, green onions, iceberg or romaine lettuce, edamame, or bean sprouts. Looking for a protein boost? Use shredded turkey instead of chicken thighs or pork – vegetarians can simply omit the meat and enjoy the veggies. For a plant-based option, try substituting with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite protein source. To take it to the next level, stir in chow mein noodles, ramen noodles, or crispy wonton strips for added bulk. And finally, add a touch of sweetness with 1-2 tablespoons of honey as a substitute for brown sugar.
How To Store Chicken Salad
When storing this salad and its components separately, the greens can remain fresh for as much as four days when kept within an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s crucial to note that if you choose to dress the salad ahead of time, I would recommend consuming it within two days at most. The sesame ginger dressing has a tendency to make the greens soggy if left sitting in it for an extended period. As for any leftover dressing, this can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s worth noting that freezing is not recommended for this salad, as its texture and flavor may suffer as a result.
Top Tips
Before diving into the Chinese chicken salad recipe, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients in advance. This includes shredding the chicken, slicing the vegetables, and toasting the almonds to perfection. By having everything ready to go, you’ll be able to whip up this convenient midweek meal with ease. To achieve that perfect balance of textures, make sure to include crunchy vegetables and avoid over-dressing the salad, which can quickly lead to soggy ingredients. As you’re building your dressing, aim for a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Finally, don’t cut any corners when it comes to using high-quality ingredients – fresh, vibrant vegetables are essential to this recipe’s success.
Chinese Chicken Salad FAQs
In this recipe, you may be wondering if store-bought dressing is suitable for Chinese chicken salad. While making your own dressing from scratch is ideal for an explosion of flavors, store-bought Asian-style dressings can also be a great alternative. This way, you’ll still get to enjoy the signature taste of the dish without putting in too much effort.
To keep the vegetables in your Chinese chicken salad fresh and crisp, it’s crucial to avoid overdressing it and refrigerate until serving. This will help prevent the veggies from becoming soggy or wilted.
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your Chinese chicken salad, consider incorporating spicy elements such as sliced chili peppers, chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha in the dressing. Just be mindful of how much heat you’re bringing into the dish and adjust according to your desired level of spiciness.
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Chinese Chicken Salad
Indulge in the simplicity of preparing Chinese chicken salad with a delicate dressing, perfect for a quick and nutritious midweek meal or lunch option. With only 20 minutes spent on preparation and cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you need a satisfying yet easy-to-prepare dish. This recipe yields six servings, making it a great solution for small gatherings or meal prep.
Instructions
In a masterful display of flavor and texture, combine the crunchy broccoli slaw, sweet carrots, bell pepper’s subtle crunch, refreshing cucumbers, tender chicken, and nutty almonds in a large bowl. Set this colorful medley aside for now. Next, in a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until they form a silky smoothness. Take this opportunity to fine-tune the seasoning to your personal taste. Once satisfied, pour the dressing over the awaiting salad, finishing it with a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro’s vibrant hue. Give the mixture a gentle toss to combine, then serve immediately and savor the delightful harmony.
Notes
Before starting to assemble your Chinese chicken salad, make sure you’re well-prepared with all the necessary ingredients at hand. This includes shredding the chicken, slicing the vegetables, and toasting the almonds. A key aspect of this midweek meal is convenience, so take a few extra minutes to prep everything in advance. To achieve the perfect texture, focus on using crisp vegetables that will maintain their crunch throughout. Be mindful not to over-dress the salad, as this can result in soggy ingredients that detract from the overall experience. The ideal dressing should strike a harmonious balance between sweet, salty, and savory flavors. When selecting your ingredients, prioritize freshness and high quality. Opt for vibrant vegetables with no signs of wilting, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a truly exceptional Chinese chicken salad.