Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
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 (see notes); ½ teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper

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Enjoy a delightful splash of flavor and color with this vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad. This dish features tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables, crunchy almonds, and the sweetness of mandarin oranges. It’s not just about nutrition; it’s an explosion of contrasting textures and bright flavors that make each bite an enjoyable adventure. Whether you need a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, this salad fits perfectly for any occasion.

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

My first encounter with Chinese Chicken Salad was at a friend’s gathering, where it was the star of the potluck. The way the ingredients mingled together, each bite bursting with sweetness, crunch, and the unmistakable taste of sesame, left a lasting impression on me. From that moment on, I couldn’t resist recreating that unforgettable experience in my kitchen. This recipe shines not only for its flavor but for how effortlessly it comes together. In just twenty minutes, you can prepare a meal that will impress family and friends, while also soothing your own cravings for something fresh and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: A delicious mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful ingredients make for a visually stunning dish.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, light dinner, or even potlucks and gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

14-ounce package coleslaw mix: This forms the crunchy base of our salad, offering a combination of cabbage and carrots for texture and flavor.
1 package chicken-flavored ramen: Just the noodles, please! They add a delightful crunch and absorb the dressing beautifully; feel free to substitute with another crispy noodle if desired.
2 cups cooked chicken (coarsely chopped): Use leftover rotisserie chicken or grill your chicken for a fresh taste that complements the salad.
15-ounce can mandarin oranges (drained very well): These juicy oranges add a sweet, refreshing element that brightens the dish.
½ cup sliced almonds: Almonds provide a satisfying crunch, enhancing the texture mix; try substituting with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds: These tiny seeds contribute an additional layer of nuttiness and garnish appeal.
2-3 green onions (sliced, optional): For a fresh, mild onion flavor, feel free to omit if you prefer a smoother taste.
⅓ cup olive oil: This forms the base for the dressing; you can substitute with sesame oil if you prefer a bolder flavor.
3 tablespoons rice vinegar: For tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
1 packet ramen chicken seasoning packet: Gives depth to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
½ teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty undertone to the salad.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors you’ve layered together.
½ teaspoon pepper: Offers a hint of spice to round out the dressing.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Start by placing the 14-ounce package coleslaw mix in a large bowl. This will be your crunchy base.
Next, break 1 package of chicken-flavored ramen into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl. You’ll cherish that delightful crunch!
Toss in 2 cups of coarsely chopped cooked chicken, followed by the 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges, making sure to drain them thoroughly. Add in ½ cup sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds. Gently combine all ingredients to ensure an even distribution.
In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and the ramen chicken seasoning packet. Then add in ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely blended.
Pour the dressing over the salad components and toss until every ingredient is well-coated with that zesty mixture.
Garnish with 2-3 sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately. Your refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad is ready to be enjoyed!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh due to the noodles’ crunch. If you have to store it, avoid dressing the salad until you’re ready to eat, as doing so will keep the ingredients crisper for longer. Unfortunately, the salad doesn’t freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables and oranges. When ready to serve, if it’s a bit dry, consider drizzling with a bit more dressing to refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Keep your chicken flavor balanced. If the salad feels too salty, try holding back on the seasoning packet slightly.
Use pre-cooked or shredded chicken to save time, ensuring your meal comes together in a flash.
If you’re prepping in advance, consider mixing your salad ingredients and dressing separately until mealtime for the best texture.
Keep your added ingredients fresh. If possible, slice green onions right before serving to maintain their crispness.

A platter of Chinese Chicken Salad not only dazzles the eyes but offers a delightful garden of flavors, too. The crispness of the cabbage, sweetness from the oranges, and crunch from the ramen noodles make it an exciting dish for any occasion. Once you experience this refreshing salad, it’ll likely become a staple in your own kitchen. Feel free to play around with the ingredients; adding peppers or julienned carrots can bring a new dimension to your delightful creation. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the salad ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.

What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe, but you can also grill or bake your chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before adding it to the salad.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, substitute the ramen noodles with a gluten-free noodle option or omit them entirely. You can add extra nuts or seeds for crunch instead!

Is Chinese Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is excellent for meal prep. Just store the ingredients in individual containers, and add the dressing when you’re ready to eat.

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Chinese Chicken Salad

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Chinese

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Description

This Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crunchy coleslaw, sweet mandarin oranges, and a tangy dressing. Ideal for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (see notes)
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Add the coleslaw mix to a large bowl.
Break the ramen noodles into bite-size pieces and add them to the bowl.
Add the cooked chicken, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and white sesame seeds to the bowl and toss to combine.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, rice vinegar, ramen chicken seasoning packet, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

This salad is best served fresh but can be made a few hours in advance. Store the dressing separately until serving.
Feel free to add other toppings like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.