If you're craving something fresh and tasty, you've got to check out these five awesome Chinese chicken salad recipes! They're packed with flavor and crunch, making them perfect for any meal. From the classic version that's got that tangy sesame dressing to a spicy kick in the spicy sesame salad, there's something for everyone. And trust me, you won't want to miss the fruity twist in the mandarin orange salad. Curious about the rest? Let's explore!
Classic Chinese Chicken Salad
Classic Chinese Chicken Salad is a invigorating and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of crisp vegetables, all tossed together in a tangy sesame dressing.
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner parties. The combination of textures and flavors will leave your taste buds satisfied, while the bright colors make it visually appealing. Serve it chilled for a delightful experience that captures the essence of Asian cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spinach)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, shredded carrots, red cabbage, green onions, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Extra Tips:
For added crunch, consider including crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles on top of the salad just before serving.
You can also customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or even substituting the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
If you prefer a spicier kick, a dash of sriracha in the dressing can enhance the flavor profile. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients to make the dish your own!
Spicy Sesame Chicken Salad
Spicy Sesame Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty sesame dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as an invigorating side dish at dinner. The combination of spices and sesame oil gives it a delightful kick, while the fresh ingredients create a satisfying crunch.
Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this spicy salad is sure to please your palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Start by cooking the chicken breasts; you can either grill, bake, or pan-fry them until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes per side.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, chili paste, salt, and pepper to form the dressing.
Add the sliced chicken to the salad and drizzle with the dressing, tossing everything together to guarantee an even coating.
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
You can easily customize this salad by adding other vegetables like snap peas or edamame, or by incorporating nuts for extra crunch.
If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of chili paste or omit it altogether.
This salad can be made ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Enjoy this dish chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!
Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad is a vibrant and invigorating dish that combines the zesty sweetness of mandarin oranges with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side for a larger meal. The combination of textures and flavors, along with a delicious dressing, makes it a favorite among salad lovers.
Easy to prepare, this dish will have you excited about healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, romaine, or spring mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad, start by placing the mixed salad greens in a large bowl. Top the greens with shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, and chopped green onions.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles on top for added crunch before serving.
When making this dish, feel free to customize it based on your preferences. You can swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Additionally, using fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned can elevate the flavor and texture. For a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Enjoy your Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad as a quick meal that's both nutritious and delicious!
Crunchy Asian Noodle Chicken Salad
Crunchy Asian Noodle Chicken Salad is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful noodles tossed in a zesty dressing. This salad isn't only invigorating but also packed with textures and tastes that make it a perfect meal for warm days or a great side for a festive gathering.
With its colorful presentation and satisfying crunch, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 ounces rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded carrots, red cabbage, snap peas, green onions, and cilantro. Once the noodles are ready, add them to the bowl and toss everything together gently.
For the dressing, whisk together your favorite Asian-style dressing or mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Finally, sprinkle sliced almonds and sesame seeds on top for an added crunch before serving.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Crunchy Asian Noodle Chicken Salad, consider marinating the shredded chicken in a bit of soy sauce and ginger before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor.
Additionally, feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more color and crunch. For a spicier kick, add a drizzle of chili oil or some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
This salad can be prepared ahead of time, but it's best to add the nuts and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crunchiness. Enjoy!
Ginger Soy Chicken Salad
Ginger Soy Chicken Salad is a delightful and invigorating dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad showcases the flavors of ginger and soy sauce, creating a harmonious blend that perfectly complements the other ingredients. By marinating the chicken in the ginger-soy mixture, you infuse it with flavor before grilling or sautéing, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
To prepare the Ginger Soy Chicken Salad, start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
After marinating, preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Top the salad with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
When making this salad, feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add other vegetables like cucumbers or snap peas, or substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
For an added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. Additionally, if you enjoy a tangier dressing, you can increase the rice vinegar or add a splash of lime juice for extra zest.
Enjoy your vibrant and healthy Ginger Soy Chicken Salad!