Print This Recipe

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups Napa cabbage shredded
• 3 cups Iceberg lettuce chopped
• 2 ½ cups cooked chicken diced
• 1 cup carrots julienned
• 11 oz. mandarin oranges drained and patted dry
• 1/3 cup green onions diced
• ½ cup chow mein noodles
• ½ cup crispy wonton strips
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon peanut butter optional
• ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing
   To get started, gather all your dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, a touch of peanut butter if you're feeling adventurous, toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger. Plop them all into a jar with a tight lid. Now, give it a vigorous shake like you're mixing up a fancy cocktail. If you prefer, a mini food processor can make quick work of this task too. Once everything’s blended beautifully, pop it in the fridge to chill while you tackle the rest of the salad.

2. Step 2: Prepare Your Greens
   Grab that Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce, and arrange them invitingly on a large serving platter or in a capacious bowl. It's your salad canvas, so feel free to get creative with the layering. Drizzle a hint of your freshly mixed dressing over these greens, letting them soak up that zesty goodness.

3. Step 3: Layer the Goodness
   Now, it’s time to add some protein and color. Scatter the diced chicken generously over the leafy base. Follow up with a delightful sprinkle of julienned carrots and drained mandarin oranges. Don’t forget the diced green onions for that subtle kick. Each layer should look like it's vying for attention, creating a visual feast.

4. Step 4: Add Crunch and Flavor
   Drizzle some more of that delicious dressing to ensure everything is well coated. Then, for a delightful crunch, top the salad with sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, and crispy wonton strips. Finally, sprinkle those toasted sesame seeds over the top for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This is where your salad truly comes to life.

5. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
   With all the layers beautifully assembled, it's time to serve up your masterpiece. Keep the remaining dressing on the side, so everyone can add a little extra to their liking. Gather your friends or family around, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s a vibrant, crunchy delight, perfect for any occasion.

Notes

Attempting this recipe can be quite the adventure! One common hiccup is rushing through the dressing. It's tempting to just quickly stir it, but shaking it really gives it that perfect consistency. So, take a moment to channel your inner bartender; your taste buds will thank you!

Another frequent slip-up is forgetting to pat the mandarin oranges dry. This might seem trivial, but soggy oranges can water down your salad, turning your crunchy dream into a mushy reality. A gentle pat with a paper towel is all it takes.

Overdressing is also a misstep many make. It's easy to get carried away, but remember: it's easier to add more than to take away. Start with a light drizzle, and let everyone add extra to their liking.

And finally, don’t be shy with the toppings! Those crispy wonton strips and chow mein noodles really add a delightful crunch. Happy cooking!

Keywords: Chinese Chicken Salad, Asian Chicken Salad, Mandarin Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad with Asian Dressing, Oriental Chicken Salad, Crispy Chicken Salad, Chinese-style Chicken Salad