Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 ounce package coleslaw mix; 1 package chicken flavored ramen; 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

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Chinese Chicken Salad is a wholesome, colorful dish that’s as delicious as it is convenient. Picture crunchy cabbage paired with tender chicken, vibrant mandarin oranges, and a captivating dressing that brings it all together. The contrast of textures—from crisp coleslaw to crunchy almonds—is simply delightful. This salad isn’t just a side; it shines as a main course, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

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I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed an quick meal that didn’t compromise on flavor. It quickly became a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just enjoying a cozy night in, this salad makes for a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up and can be made in under 20 minutes. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chinese Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds is a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors make this salad visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Great as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, and it even works as a delightful side dish at gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to customize, including gluten-free noodles or vegan chicken alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

14-ounce package coleslaw mix: The base of the salad, providing crunch and freshness. Alternatively, you can use 3-4 cups of shredded cabbage.
1 package chicken flavored ramen: Adds texture and flavor. Save the seasoning packet for the dressing!
2 cups cooked chicken, coarsely chopped: Use rotisserie chicken for speed or leftover chicken to save time.
15-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained very well: These add a sweet, juicy element.
½ cup sliced almonds: For crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to substitute with sunflower seeds if you prefer.
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds: Adds a lovely toasted flavor; you can also use black sesame seeds for a different look.
2-3 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish): Brightens up the dish with color and a mild onion flavor.
⅓ cup olive oil: The main component of your dressing; it brings richness.
3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the flavors.
1 packet ramen chicken seasoning packet: Infuses the dressing with a savory touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
½ teaspoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding a deep, nutty flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon pepper: For a slight kick.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the 14-ounce package of coleslaw mix and the broken pieces of the chicken flavored ramen noodles.
Add the Chicken and Fruits: Incorporate the 2 cups of coarsely chopped cooked chicken, the drained 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges, the ½ cup of sliced almonds, and the 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds. Toss everything to evenly distribute.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, the seasoning packet from the ramen, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Mix well.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with the sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Chinese Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to freeze it, keep in mind that the texture may change after thawing, so it is most enjoyable when eaten fresh. If you do freeze it, consume within three months. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but beware that the freshness of the ingredients, especially the mandarin oranges, might diminish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Soggy Salad: To keep your salad crunchy, dress it just before serving, especially if there’s any leftover for later.
Variable Chicken Options: Cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect if you’re short on time, and leftover grilled chicken adds great flavor.
Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider toasting the sesame seeds and almond slices briefly in a dry skillet until golden brown.
Adjusting the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the vinegar and oil ratio to your taste, or swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different flavor note.
Add More Veggies: Shredded carrots or bell peppers can add color and additional nutrition—experiment as you like!

Chinese Chicken Salad not only appeals to the eye but tantalizes the taste buds too. You get the savory and sweet, the crunchy and succulent, all in one bright bowl. It’s easy to prepare yet makes a striking presentation. Enjoy making this delicious dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just mix everything and add the dressing right before you’re ready to serve to ensure the salad stays crisp.

What are some great substitutes for the chicken?

If you’re looking for alternatives, shredded tofu or chickpeas can be fantastic vegan options. For a different flavor, grilled shrimp also works incredibly well!

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure that the soy sauce or any seasoning you use is gluten-free.

What can I add for extra crunch?

If you want to elevate the crunch factor, consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy chow mein noodles, or even some radish slices for a peppery kick!

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