Name: Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons mandarin juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/8 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded (2 heads of romaine); 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (1 pound); 2 cups red cabbage, shredded; 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 1/2 cup chow mein noodles; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup roasted unsalted cashews, chopped; 2–3 green onions, sliced; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of crispy romaine lettuce, colorful red cabbage, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy cashews offers a refreshing and satisfying texture in every bite. The homemade dressing, featuring ingredients like sesame oil, ginger, and mandarin juice, perfectly complements the salad. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, this dish comes together quickly and is both healthy and filling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons mandarin juice
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons ginger, grated
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded (2 heads of romaine)
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (baked, rotisserie, or leftover chicken) (1 pound)
2 cups red cabbage, shredded
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and reserved
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup chow mein noodles
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup roasted unsalted cashews, chopped
2–3 green onions, sliced
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, mandarin juice, honey, avocado oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, sesame seeds, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set the dressing aside.
In a large bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, red cabbage, mandarin oranges, and shredded carrots.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated.
Top the salad with chow mein noodles, chopped cilantro, roasted cashews, sliced green onions, and additional sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Chicken: Feel free to use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled chicken breasts. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Noodles: If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the chow mein noodles or substitute them with rice noodles.
Cabbage: Swap red cabbage for napa cabbage or add a mix of both.
Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by increasing or decreasing the honey based on your preference.
Nut-Free: If you’re allergic to nuts, you can leave out the cashews and instead add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate from the salad if you plan on storing it to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. The chicken and vegetables can be eaten cold or at room temperature.

The chow mein noodles will soften as they sit in the dressing, so if you’re saving leftovers, you might want to add the noodles just before serving.

FAQs

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients and store them separately from the dressing. Toss everything together just before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes! You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed, though the flavor may slightly change.

What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?

You can use fresh orange segments or canned pineapple for a similar sweet, citrusy flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken as long as it is cooked and shredded before adding it to the salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written is gluten-free, but ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if necessary).

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or edamame for extra crunch and flavor.

How do I store leftover dressing?

You can store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and ensure the dressing is made with plant-based honey or agave syrup.

How long will the salad keep in the fridge?

This salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days if stored properly, but it’s best enjoyed immediately.

Is this salad a good option for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate and add it when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious, versatile, and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. With fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of flavors, it’s an ideal choice for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even as a side dish for a larger meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for a week of healthy lunches, this salad is sure to please!