Chinese Chicken Salad Bowl

This Chinese Chicken Salad is packed with crisp veggies juicy chicken and the most addictive homemade dressing that ties everything together for a crunchy bright meal I make this when I want something light yet totally satisfying and it is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or quick lunches

I made this for a family picnic last spring and everyone went back for seconds even my kids who usually skip salad

Ingredients

• Napa cabbage: brings a soft yet crisp base with mild sweetness select heads that are tight and heavy for their size
• Iceberg lettuce: adds extra crunch and a refreshing bite pick a firm head with no brown edges
• Cooked chicken: makes it hearty and filling use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for quickest prep
• Carrots: bring color crunch and a hint of sweetness choose firm carrots without cracks
• Mandarin oranges: add juicy pops of citrus select segments packed in juice rather than syrup for best flavor
• Green onions: give sharp freshness look for vibrant green tops
• Chow mein noodles: add classic salty crunch check the Asian foods aisle
• Crispy wonton strips: provide even more crispy texture make sure they are golden and not greasy
• Sliced almonds: offer buttery crunch toast lightly for extra flavor
• Toasted sesame seeds: bring nutty depth look for golden brown seeds or toast your own for the freshest taste
• Rice vinegar: in the dressing keeps things bright choose unseasoned for best control of flavor
• Hoisin sauce: brings rich sweet umami opt for a trusted brand like Sun Luck
• Peanut oil: adds a velvety texture and nutty aroma use avocado or canola oil in a pinch
• Soy sauce: brings salt and savoriness try to use low sodium to keep things balanced
• Honey: rounds out acidity and adds a mild sweet touch use local honey if you have it
• Garlic: gives depth and warmth mince freshly for best results
• Peanut butter: optional but adds a creamy hint and extra nutty note go for natural if adding
• Toasted sesame oil: intensifies aroma and makes the dressing irresistible
• Ground ginger: brings gentle heat and complexity use freshly ground if possible

Step by Step Instructions

Mix the Dressing:

Combine rice vinegar hoisin sauce peanut oil soy sauce honey minced garlic peanut butter toasted sesame oil and ground ginger in a jar with a tight fitting lid Shake vigorously until smooth and emulsified Chill in the refrigerator while preparing other ingredients to let the flavors mingle

Prep the Vegetables and Chicken:

Shred the napa cabbage and chop the iceberg lettuce into bite sized pieces Use a sharp knife to avoid bruising Slice carrots into thin matchsticks Dice green onions Drain mandarin oranges thoroughly and pat pieces dry with a paper towel to prevent the salad from becoming watery Cube cooked chicken into small even pieces for easy eating

Arrange the Salad Base:

Spread the napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce evenly across a large platter or into a big mixing bowl Drizzle with a light layer of the prepared dressing Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs to coat leaves lightly

Layer the Main Toppings:

Scatter cooked chicken julienned carrots mandarin oranges and green onions evenly on top of the dressed greens Drizzle again with more of the dressing so flavors sink into every layer

Add the Crunchy Finish:

Top the salad with sliced almonds chow mein noodles crispy wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds Arrange these as the final layer for eye catching crunch and flavor Serve with any remaining dressing on the side and let everyone help themselves

My favorite part is the sweet burst of mandarin oranges against the savory chicken and nutty dressing When I made this for my mom she asked for the recipe on the spot and now makes it for her bridge group

Storage Tips

If you know you will have leftovers store the greens chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers Keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge only toss everything together with the crunchy toppings right before serving to keep the textures lively The salad base and toppings both stay fresh for up to two days Dress right before eating

Ingredient Swaps and Add Ons

You can swap rotisserie chicken for grilled or poached or try cooked shrimp for a seafood twist For nut allergies skip the almonds and peanut butter or try roasted sunflower seeds Add red cabbage bell peppers or snow peas for extra crunch or sub crispy rice noodles for chow mein for more texture

How to Serve

This salad shines as a main meal all by itself but pairs well with simple soups or steamed dumplings For a heartier meal serve alongside white or brown rice or tuck into lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer presentation

History Behind the Dish

Chinese chicken salad as we know it mostly comes from American Chinese restaurants combining classic Asian flavors with familiar American salad ingredients It is a celebration of crunchy vegetables savory proteins and sweet meets sour dressing The dish highlights how immigrant cuisines adapt and thrive in new places which is probably why it feels so familiar and special at once

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you keep the salad crunchy?

Store greens, toppings, and dressing separately until just before serving. Add crispy noodles and wonton strips last to maintain their crunch.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice for this salad. Shred or dice it before adding to the mix.

→ What alternatives work for chow mein noodles?

Crispy rice noodles or even toasted cashews can stand in for chow mein noodles if needed.

→ How should I toast sesame seeds?

Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Toss together just before eating for best texture.