This easy Chinese chicken salad is colorful and fresh! Packed with juicy chicken and crunchy veggies like carrots and bell peppers, it’s a delightful mix of taste and texture.
When I make this salad, I can’t help but munch on the crispy bits while preparing it. It’s a great way to sneak in healthy veggies without feeling like I’m missing out! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or any leftover chicken you have on hand. If you need a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu or chickpeas as a protein substitute.
Napa Cabbage: This leafy veggie adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage or even shredded Brussels sprouts can work in a pinch!
Bell Pepper: Red adds sweetness, but yellow or orange bell peppers also offer great flavor. For a low-carb option, zucchini can be thinly sliced or grated as a substitute.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh basil or parsley for a different fresh touch without the strong flavor.
Crispy Noodles: Chow mein noodles add crunch, but you can also use crushed rice crackers or even skip them for a lower-carb salad.
How Do I Make Sure the Salad Stays Crisp?
The key to a crunchy salad is to add your crispy elements right before serving. This includes the toasted nuts and crispy noodles. If you toss everything together too early, the dressing will wilt the veggies, and you’ll lose that satisfying crunch!
- Prepare all salad ingredients in a bowl without the crunchy toppings.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients separately for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Just before digging in, drizzle the dressing on and add the crunchy bits. Toss lightly.
Following this helps maintain the freshness and texture of your Chinese chicken salad, so you can enjoy every bite!
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad With Crunchy Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, halved
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts, toasted
- 1 pack crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips (about 1 cup)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to assemble, and you can make it ahead of time (just add the crunchy toppings right before serving). Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, napa cabbage, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, snap peas, green onions, and cilantro if you’re using it. You want a lively mixture of colors and textures!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and Sriracha or chili paste. Mix until everything is well combined and the honey or sugar dissolves.
3. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. This is where the flavors really start to come together!
4. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Just before you serve the salad, add the toasted almonds or peanuts and the crispy chow mein noodles. This helps keep everything nice and crunchy!
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Toss everything lightly again and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy this delicious crunchy Chinese chicken salad as a light lunch or refreshing side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Sure! If using raw chicken, you’ll need to cook it first. Simply boil, grill, or pan-sear the chicken breast until fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) before shredding it for the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Just ensure the tofu is pressed and cooked (grilled or sautéed works well) for a nice texture. You’ll still get all the crunch from the veggies!
Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
The beauty of this salad is its versatility! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like cucumber, radishes, or even broccoli for different flavors and textures. Just remember to keep your veggies crisp!
