Make a tasty quick Asian salad in just 20 minutes with this homemade Chinese chicken salad recipe. It’s full of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a special ginger-sesame dressing. This salad is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s full of Asian flavors.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in 20 minutes
- Features a mix of fresh vegetables and homemade ginger-sesame dressing
- Customizable with various ingredient additions and substitutions
- Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep
- Provides a restaurant-quality Asian salad experience at home
Why This 20-Minute Asian Chicken Salad Will Become Your Favorite
Goodbye to boring weeknight meals, hello to the quick meal prep 20-Minute Asian Chicken Salad. It’s a tasty and affordable dinner option that rivals restaurant quality. Enjoy it all in the comfort of your home.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This homemade Asian salad is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you’re in a rush but want something delicious. It uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and a simple dressing, making it quick and nutrient-rich.
Restaurant-Quality at Home
The salad’s restaurant-worthy taste comes from its Asian-inspired ingredients. You’ll find crisp cabbage, crunchy ramen noodles, and toasted almonds. The homemade dressing adds a creamy, spicy kick that will delight your taste buds.
Budget-Friendly Option
This Asian chicken salad is also affordable. It uses pre-cooked chicken and budget-friendly veggies. It’s a great way to enjoy a high-quality meal without spending a lot.
Looking for a quick and easy meal prep option or a healthy dinner? This 20-Minute Asian Chicken Salad is perfect. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Get ready to enjoy the flavors of the East in your own kitchen!
Essential Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad
Making a tasty Chinese chicken salad needs the right ingredients. At its core is tender rotisserie chicken, which is the main protein. Crunchy cabbage or coleslaw mix adds freshness and texture.
Green onions bring a hint of onion taste. Toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds or peanuts add a nice crunch. Mandarin oranges add a sweet and tangy flavor.
The dressing is key, made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include ramen noodles for extra crunch.
Adding veggies like julienned carrots, diced red bell peppers, or cucumbers boosts nutrition and flavor. These ingredients make a stunning and tasty Chinese chicken salad.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Cabbage or coleslaw mix | 4 cups |
| Green onions, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Ramen noodles, crushed | 1/2 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Almonds or peanuts, slivered | 1/4 cup |
| Mandarin oranges, drained and segmented | 1 (11 oz) can |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
This mix of ingredients makes a delicious and balanced Chinese chicken salad. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
The Perfect Chicken Preparation Method
To make your Chinese Chicken Salad great, start with the chicken. Follow these easy steps to season and cook it just right.
Seasoning Tips
First, season your chicken breasts with Chinese 5 spice, salt, and pepper. This mix adds a unique Asian taste that goes well with the salad.
Cooking Temperature and Time
Bake the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. This keeps it juicy and fully cooked.
Cutting and Storage
After it cools, cut or shred the chicken into small pieces. This makes it easy to mix into the salad. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken. Keep the cooked chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
By following these steps, you’ll get chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and cooked. It will make your Chinese Chicken Salad even better.
Creating the Signature Asian Dressing
The secret to a great Chinese chicken salad is the homemade Asian dressing. It has the right mix of tangy, savory, and sweet tastes. This dressing makes the fresh veggies and chicken taste even better. You’ll need just a few common ingredients from your kitchen.
Begin by mixing rice vinegar, soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, and fresh lime juice. Add chopped cilantro, ginger paste, and minced garlic too. For a quicker version, use ramen seasoning with oil, vinegar, and sugar. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Vinegar | 6 tablespoons |
| Soy Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Creamy Peanut Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Lime Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped Cilantro | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Minced Garlic | 1 teaspoon |
The homemade Asian dressing or a store-bought Chinese salad dressing recipe like Nordstrom Cafe’s will enhance your Chinese chicken salad. It balances the flavors and textures perfectly.
Fresh Vegetables and Crunchy Elements
A great Chinese Chicken Salad starts with fresh, crisp veggies and crunchy toppings. Begin with Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix as your base. Add chopped romaine lettuce for extra crunch.
Then, mix in colorful and textured Asian salad vegetables like red bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and green onions. These add beauty and a satisfying crunch to your salad.
Cabbage and Lettuce Options
- Napa cabbage, shredded or sliced thin
- Pre-packaged coleslaw mix
- Romaine lettuce, chopped for added crunch
Additional Vegetable Combinations
- Red bell peppers, julienned
- Carrots, peeled and julienned
- Cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Green onions, sliced
To make your salad even crunchier, try adding sliced almonds, crispy wonton strips, or crushed ramen noodles. For sweetness and tang, include juicy mandarin oranges.
“The combination of fresh, crisp vegetables and crunchy toppings is what truly sets this Chinese Chicken Salad apart from the rest.”
By choosing and mixing these Asian salad vegetables and crunchy salad ingredients, you’ll make a salad that looks good and tastes amazing. Every bite will be full of flavor and texture.
Time-Saving Tips Using Store-Bought Ingredients
Making a tasty quick salad doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With store-bought ingredients, you can make an Asian chicken salad in 15-20 minutes. Here are some tips to make it easy.
Start by using pre-packaged coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage to avoid chopping. For protein, go for rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips. These are great convenient salad ingredients that save time.
For crunch, use pre-sliced almonds instead of whole nuts. For color and sweetness, canned mandarin oranges are perfect. You can also find bagged salad kits with crispy wontons or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Time-Saving Substitution |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | Pre-packaged coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage |
| Chicken | Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips |
| Nuts | Pre-sliced almonds |
| Canned Ingredients | Mandarin oranges |
| Salad Kits | Bagged salad kits with mix-ins like crispy wontons or sesame seeds |
Using these quick salad prep options, you can enjoy a delicious Asian chicken salad fast. Impress your family and friends with a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, all in no time!
Assembly Instructions for the Perfect Salad
Making the ultimate Chinese chicken salad is all about how you put it together. Start by mixing the crisp cabbage or coleslaw with your chopped veggies in a big bowl. This is the base of your salad.
Then, add the cooled, diced chicken. Use chicken breasts for a better texture than thighs. You can cook it yourself or use a rotisserie chicken to save time.
Layering Technique
Just before serving, add the crunchy parts that make this salad special. Sprinkle crushed ramen noodles, toasted almond slices, and poppy seeds (if you like) on top.
Timing the Addition of Ingredients
- Start by tossing the salad with half the dressing. Add more as needed to coat everything evenly.
- Finally, add fresh cilantro and sliced green onions on top. These should be added last to keep their flavor and freshness.
By layering and timing your ingredients right, every bite of your Chinese chicken salad will be perfectly balanced and full of flavor.
“The secret to a great Chinese chicken salad is all in the layering. By adding the crunchy elements and fresh herbs at the last moment, you’ll preserve their texture and flavor for a truly restaurant-quality experience.”
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked, chunked chicken | 1 pound |
| Romaine lettuce, chopped | 2 hearts |
| Asian-style crunchy rice noodles | 1 cup |
| Almond slices | 1/2 cup |
| Poppy seeds (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Green onions, sliced | 1/2 cup |
Customization Options and Variations
The beauty of this Chinese Chicken Salad is its versatility. You can change it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Try these exciting variations to make it your own:
- Swap out the chicken for pork or shrimp for a different protein source.
- Add extra vegetables like edamame, snow peas, or snap peas for a nutrient boost.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as cashews or peanuts, for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate sesame seeds or chow mein noodles for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of Sriracha to the dressing.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or extra crunchy vegetables.
There are endless ways to customize this Asian salad variations to your liking. Feel free to get creative and make it your own signature Chinese chicken salad add-ins.
| Customization Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Protein Swaps | Replace chicken with pork or shrimp for a different protein source. |
| Vegetable Add-Ins | Incorporate edamame, snow peas, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients. |
| Crunchy Toppings | Experiment with different nuts, sesame seeds, or chow mein noodles. |
| Spice Level Adjustment | Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of Sriracha to the dressing for a spicier kick. |
| Vegetarian Option | Substitute chicken with tofu or extra vegetables for a meatless version. |
By exploring these Asian salad variations and Chinese chicken salad add-ins, you can turn this recipe into a personalized masterpiece. Get creative and enjoy the endless possibilities!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing your Chinese chicken salad ahead of time is a big help. Keep the veggies and dressings apart to keep them fresh. This recipe makes 4 servings and stays good in the fridge for 4 days.
Keeping Ingredients Fresh
For make-ahead prep, put the Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, and shredded carrots in airtight containers. The peanut dressing and Asian vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days early. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Just before tossing, add the dressings, chow mein noodles, and fresh herbs. This keeps the salad crunchy and flavorful.
Proper Storage Methods
Leftover Chinese chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. It might get a bit softer. To make it fresh again, add some crunchy toppings like sesame seeds or sliced almonds.
By using these make-ahead salad tips, you can enjoy this Chinese chicken salad even on the busiest nights.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information
This Asian chicken salad is not just tasty, but also full of good stuff. It has protein from chicken and nuts, and lots of fiber from veggies like cabbage and bell peppers. Plus, it’s got vitamins A and C from the colorful ingredients.
One serving, about 1/6 of the recipe, has 361 calories, 29g of fat, 13g of carbs, and 15g of protein. The dressing adds healthy fats from oil and nuts, making the salad even better.
You can make this Chinese chicken salad your own. Change the protein, swap veggies, or tweak the dressing to match your taste and diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 361 | – |
| Total Fat | 29g | 46.2% |
| Protein | 15g | 72% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13g | – |
| Fiber | 7g | – |
| Sodium | 930mg | 40.4% |
| Vitamin A | 7000IU | – |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | – |
| Calcium | 130mg | – |
| Iron | 4.5mg | – |
The Chinese chicken salad can have different nutrition based on ingredients and serving size. Keep your diet in mind and enjoy this salad in balance.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Chinese chicken salad is a versatile dish. You can serve it as a main course for a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with egg drop soup or hot and sour soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal. For a more substantial spread, consider serving the salad alongside spring rolls or dumplings.
If you’re looking to incorporate the salad into a larger menu, it can also make an excellent side dish for grilled meats or seafood. Elevate the presentation by garnishing the salad with extra fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or crispy wonton strips.
- Egg Drop Soup
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Spring Rolls
- Dumplings
- Grilled Meats or Seafood
- Cilantro
- Sesame Seeds
- Crispy Wonton Strips
For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the Asian salad pairings with one of these classic Chinese chicken salad serving ideas:
- Orange Chicken
- Steamed Dumplings
- Fried Rice
- Mongolian Beef
- Bok Choy
The light and crisp nature of the Chinese chicken salad pairs exceptionally well with a variety of authentic Chinese dishes. This creates a harmonious and delightful dining experience. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Asian salad pairings and Chinese chicken salad serving ideas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Chinese chicken salad requires skill. It’s important to avoid common mistakes to get that restaurant taste at home. Focus on temperature and keeping the salad crunchy.
Temperature Considerations
One mistake is adding warm chicken to the salad. This makes the veggies like cabbage and lettuce wilt. Let the chicken cool down before mixing it with the salad.
Texture Maintenance Tips
Keeping the salad texture right is key for a true Chinese chicken salad taste. Don’t over-dress the salad. Start with a little dressing and add more if needed.
Also, add crunchy bits like fried noodles or nuts just before serving. This keeps them crisp. A mix of textures makes the salad look good and taste great.
Pay close attention to details for the best Chinese chicken salad. Avoiding common mistakes and focusing on temperature and texture will make a dish everyone will love.
Conclusion
This 20-minute easy Asian salad recipe is perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. It combines crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing. This mix makes for a satisfying and healthy meal that you can tailor to your liking.
With a few simple tips, you can make a quick Chinese chicken salad that rivals restaurant quality. This salad is great because you can add your favorite ingredients or try new ones. It’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to.
Looking for a healthy lunch or a side dish that impresses? This easy Asian salad recipe is your answer. Its fresh, crunchy, and bold flavors make it a hit at any meal. It’s perfect for both casual and special occasions.
FAQ
What makes this Chinese-inspired chicken salad a great option for busy weeknights?
This Chinese chicken salad is quick to make, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights. It has baked chicken, fresh veggies, and a homemade dressing. You can make it at home with ingredients you likely have.
What are the key ingredients in this Asian chicken salad?
The main ingredients are rotisserie chicken, cabbage, green onions, and ramen noodles. You’ll also need sesame seeds, almonds, and mandarin oranges. The dressing is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
How do you prepare the chicken for this salad?
Season chicken breasts with Chinese 5 spice and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F. Let it cool before cutting. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
How do you make the signature Asian dressing?
The dressing mixes rice vinegar, soy sauce, and peanut butter. Add lime juice, cilantro, and spices. For a quicker version, use ramen seasoning with oil and vinegar.
What are some customization options for this Chinese chicken salad?
You can swap chicken for pork or shrimp. Add edamame or snap peas for more veggies. Use different nuts or sesame seeds for crunch. Adjust the spice with jalapenos or Sriracha.
How can you make this salad ahead of time?
Store veggies and dressing in airtight containers in the fridge. Add dressing and crunchy elements just before serving. Leftover salad can be stored for up to 24 hours, but it might lose some crunch.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this Chinese chicken salad?
Don’t add warm chicken to the salad. Keep all ingredients cool before mixing. Start with less dressing and add more as needed. Add crunchy elements just before serving to keep them fresh.
