Description
This vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad combines crisp Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce with tender diced chicken, crunchy wonton strips, and a medley of fresh vegetables and mandarin oranges. Tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing featuring hoisin sauce, soy, and toasted sesame, it’s a quick, delicious, and refreshing meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
- â…“ cup green onions, diced
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola 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
- Prepare Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger—in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously to blend, or pulse in a mini food processor until smooth. Refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the rest of the salad ingredients to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Salad Base: In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce evenly to form the crisp base of the salad. Drizzle a portion of the prepared dressing over the greens and gently toss or lightly mix to coat the leaves evenly.
- Add Protein and Vegetables: Evenly distribute the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, and diced green onions over the lettuce mixture. Drizzle additional dressing on top to enhance flavor throughout the salad layers.
- Top with Crunchy Garnishes: Sprinkle the sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds generously over the salad. These toppings provide a delightful crunch and extra texture contrast serving as a delicious finishing touch.
- Serve: Present the salad with extra dressing on the side so guests can add more according to their preference. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the fresh vegetables and the vibrant taste of the dressing.
Notes
- If preferred, substitute peanut oil with avocado, vegetable, or canola oil for the dressing.
- Peanut butter in the dressing is optional but adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a small amount of chili garlic sauce or fresh chili flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the vegetables and toppings.
- Leftover dressing can be stored refrigerated for up to one week.
