Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese chicken salad is a delightful combination of crisp textures and vibrant flavors, making it a refreshing dish ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side at your next gathering. You’ll be bowled over by how easy it is to whip up this salad—not to mention how satisfying it is when you take that first bite. The crunch of coleslaw mix paired with sweet mandarin oranges and savory chicken comes together seamlessly, elevating your ordinary salad experience.
Table of Contents
This recipe brings a taste of Asian-inspired freshness into your kitchen without the fuss. As someone who first tasted a variation of this dish at a friend’s potluck, I’ve always been smitten. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that can brighten any table. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, this Chinese chicken salad won’t disappoint. Dig in and find out how easy it is to create a wholesome, flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep and cooking time, dinner is served in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crunchy vegetables, zesty oranges, and savory chicken dances on your palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful ingredients not only taste great but also look gorgeous on your plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfectly suited for lunch, dinner, or as a side at gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free ramen for an accommodating twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 14-ounce package coleslaw mix: This is the base of your salad, providing a mix of crunchy carrots and cabbage.
- 1 package chicken flavored ramen: Break into bite-size pieces for that delightful noodle crunch, setting aside the seasoning for later.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, coarsely chopped: I love using rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, but any cooked chicken works well.
- 15-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained very well: The sweetness brings balance to the savory elements of the salad.
- ½ cup sliced almonds: Add these for a nutty crunch that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds: These tiny seeds enhance the traditional Asian flavor profile.
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (optional): For a fresh finishing touch, give your salad a pop of brightness (and flavor).
- ⅓ cup olive oil: A healthy fat that adds richness to the dressing.
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: It provides a tangy acidity that firms up the dressing’s flavor.
- 1 packet ramen chicken seasoning packet: This is key to the dressing’s savory flavor, so don’t skip it!
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil: Adds an extra layer of nuttiness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of warmth.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Base: Take a large bowl and add the 14-ounce package of coleslaw mix, creating a crisp foundation for your salad.
- Add Noodles: Break your 1 package of chicken flavored ramen into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the bowl with the coleslaw mix.
- Incorporate Chicken and Fruits: Next, add in the 2 cups of cooked chicken, coarsely chopped, along with the drained 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges. This mixture infuses your salad with sweet and savory goodness.
- Mix in Crunchy Nuts: Toss in the ½ cup of sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Whisk Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, the reserved ramen chicken seasoning packet, ½ teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Use a whisk or fork to blend together until well-combined, ensuring all the flavors meld.
- Dress the Salad: Pour your prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to fully coat the ingredients.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions (if using) and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Note that the texture of the cabbage may soften over time, but it still retains its flavor. Do not freeze the salad, as the dressing may separate, and the veggies will lose their crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply give it a light toss and consider refreshing it with a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid wilting the salad by dressing it just before serving.
- For extra flavor, try adding some grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- If you wind up with salad left over, you can serve it over rice or noodles for a delightful second meal.
- Make the dressing ahead of time to save precious moments on busy weeknights.
- Experiment with protein choices—shrimp or tofu are fantastic alternatives.
Tantalizing, fulfilling, and incredibly flexible, this Chinese chicken salad is bound to become a go-to for mealtime. The balance of flavors and textures creates a uniquely satisfying experience that shouldn’t be missed. Play around with the ingredients based on what you have or prefer, and enjoy the beautiful mess of flavors all coming together.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients—except for the dressing—up to a day in advance. Just keep everything in separate containers until you’re ready to serve, then toss it all together with the dressing right before you sit down to eat.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie chicken is a popular choice for this salad because it saves time and adds a rich flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well too! Just make sure they’re fully cooked and chopped for easy mixing.
How can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
To turn this into a vegetarian dish, simply leave out the chicken or replace it with diced tofu. For a vegan dressing, replace the traditional ramen seasoning with soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your ramen noodles are egg-free.
Is there a way to adjust the flavor profile?
You can customize the flavor by adding ingredients like fresh cilantro, crushed red pepper for heat, or even fruit like apples for a sweet crunch. Don’t hesitate to play around with the dressing ingredients either—more lemon juice or even a touch of honey can enhance the flavors!
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📖 Recipe Card
Chinese Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of fresh coleslaw, tender chicken, and zesty dressing that makes for a quick and healthy meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 14 ounce package coleslaw mix (or 3–4 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1 package chicken flavored ramen (set aside seasoning packet for dressing)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, coarsely chopped
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained very well
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 packet ramen chicken seasoning packet
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add coleslaw mix to a large bowl.
- Break ramen noodles into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl.
- Add cooked chicken, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and sesame seeds. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rice vinegar, ramen seasoning packet, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.
This salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
