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; ½ teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper

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Chinese Chicken Salad is a fantastic dish that brings together the freshest ingredients for a meal that sings with flavor. This delightful salad showcases a crunchy blend of coleslaw mix paired with tender chicken, bright mandarin oranges, and a crunchy topping of almonds and sesame seeds. The combination of textures makes it not only delicious but visually appealing as well. It’s the kind of dish that feels a bit gourmet yet is incredibly easy to whip up on a weeknight or serve at a gathering.

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

I still remember the first time I tried making Chinese Chicken Salad. I was looking for something light but satisfying for a summer dinner and stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye. The easy preparation and vibrant flavors won me over immediately. It quickly became a staple in my household, loved by everyone who tried it. This recipe is not only simple to prep but also perfect as a main course or a side dish for any occasion, meaning you can serve it at casual lunches or elegant dinners and always receive rave reviews. Give it a try; I promise it will bring a smile to your face!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, this dish comes together in a snap.
Irresistible Flavor: The zesty dressing combined with tender chicken and citrus gives each bite a wonderful burst of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors from the oranges and greens make this salad not just tasty, but stunning on the table.
Flexible Serving Options: Great for lunch, dinner, or as a light snack, you’ll love how many occasions this salad fits.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modify to be gluten-free or add more veggies for a refreshing vegan twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

14-ounce package coleslaw mix: A key base for the salad that adds a crunchy texture and nutritious crunch. You can substitute with shredded cabbage if preferred.
1 package chicken-flavored ramen: Adds a delightful crunch when broken into pieces, enhances flavor via the seasoning packet, and is a crowd-pleaser. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for a gluten-free ramen alternative.
2 cups cooked chicken, coarsely chopped: This protein makes the salad hearty; feel free to use rotisserie chicken for even less effort.
15-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained: These juicy segments add a pop of color and sweetness to balance the savory elements in the salad.
½ cup sliced almonds: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor; you can also use sunflower seeds or cashews as alternatives.
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds: Elevates the salad with extra crunch and a nutty taste; toasting them briefly will enhance their flavor.
2-3 green onions, sliced (optional): Offers a fresh bite as a garnish, although you can easily skip this or replace it with chives.
⅓ cup olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, bringing everything together with richness. Feel free to use sesame oil for a stronger flavor profile.
3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Delivers a tangy kick that cuts through the richness, balancing the dressing beautifully.
1 packet ramen chicken seasoning packet: This flavor booster is essential for the dressing; if you prefer, you can use a homemade seasoning mix as an alternative.
½ teaspoon sesame oil: Adds depth of flavor to the dressing; just a small amount can make a big difference.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor; adjust according to taste!
½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a nice, subtle heat that ties flavors together.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Combine the Base: Start by adding the 14-ounce package of coleslaw mix into a large bowl. This will act as your salad’s vibrant foundation.
Prepare the Ramen: Break the package of chicken-flavored ramen into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the bowl with the coleslaw mix.
Add Protein and Fruit: Incorporate 2 cups of cooked chicken, coarsely chopped, along with the 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges that you’ve drained thoroughly. They will give the salad a lovely sweetness.
Mix in Crunchy Elements: Sprinkle in ½ cup of sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds before gently tossing everything together.
Create the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, the ramen chicken seasoning packet, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper until well combined.
Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, making sure every ingredient is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with 2-3 sliced green onions. Serve the salad immediately for the best crunch and freshness.

Storing & Reheating

For optimal freshness, store any leftover Chinese Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, and the flavors often meld beautifully over time. If you’re looking to store it longer, consider freezing the salad without the dressing, allowing it to maintain its texture up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve fresh dressing to revive those delicious flavors before enjoying.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid letting the salad sit too long after adding the dressing. The coleslaw mix will release moisture, leading to a soggy salad.
For the freshest taste, use cooked chicken that is at room temperature or slightly warm; this will enhance the texture and flavor profile.
If you prefer a bit more crunch, consider toasting the sliced almonds or sesame seeds before adding them into the salad. This can bring out a richer flavor.
Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredient ratios; add extra oranges for sweetness or more chicken for protein according to your preferences.
For a zesty kick, try adding a splash of lime juice to the dressing for an extra citrus punch.

Chinese Chicken Salad is not just a dish? it’s an experience waiting to unfold. Its crisp textures and vibrant flavors make every bite a burst of joy. Not only is it a quick and easy recipe, but it also offers a perfect opportunity for experimentation. Feel free to mix in your favorite additional veggies or tweak the dressing to discover what suits your taste best. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or elegant side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy every crunch!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, tofu, or even grilled steak. This salad is versatile and will accommodate your protein preferences beautifully.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make this Chinese Chicken Salad gluten-free, simply swap the regular ramen noodles for gluten-free noodles and avoid the seasoning packet, or create your own gluten-free dressing using coconut aminos for flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, replace the chicken with chickpeas or another favorite plant-based protein. You can also substitute the olive oil in the dressing for a vegan dressing option, and use a vegan ramen noodle.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the individual components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them and add the dressing just before serving. This ensures the salad remains crunchy and fresh.

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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: Tossing
Cuisine: Chinese

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Description

Enjoy the delightful taste of this Chinese Chicken Salad, a quick and healthy meal that combines tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and vibrant mandarin oranges—all tossed in a zesty dressing. Ideal for busy weeknights or a refreshing lunch!

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
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

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

Notes

This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for one day.
For added crunch, consider adding chow mein noodles on top before serving.