Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

Every time I think about whipping up a refreshing dish, Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad always comes to mind. It’s one of those meals that not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes you feel good about what you’re eating. My first experience with this vibrant salad was during a summer picnic at the park, where the sun was shining, and laughter filled the air. The crunch of fresh vegetables and the savory bite of rotisserie chicken paired with a creamy peanut dressing had me coming back for seconds. Since then, I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings and cozy dinners at home. This Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad is quick to assemble, packed with textures, and bursting with flavor!

What’s In This Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

The ingredients in this Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad come together beautifully, creating a dish that is not just healthy but incredibly satisfying. The fresh vegetables provide a crisp texture, while the rotisserie chicken adds a savory heartiness. Each component complements the others, making every bite a delightful experience.

• Romaine Lettuce: A crunchy base that adds a refreshing element.
• Napa Cabbage: Offers a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
• Purple Cabbage: Adds color and is packed with antioxidants.
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a great crunch.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
• Green Onions: Offer a mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Mandarin Oranges: Introduces a delightful sweetness that balances the dressing.
• Roasted Peanuts: Provide a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
• Wonton Strips: Add a fun crunch and flavor.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Makes this salad hearty and protein-packed.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthy fat that helps emulsify the dressing.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the dressing that adds richness and flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way for flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances the savory notes.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a hint of heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

The Process for Making Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

Creating the Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad is an enjoyable process that allows you to bring together fresh ingredients in a delightful way. Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious salad!

1. Start by making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It should have a creamy texture.
2. Alternatively, you can place all the dressing ingredients in a Mason jar. Seal it with a lid and shake vigorously until well combined. This method is quick and reduces cleanup!
3. While the dressing is coming together, prepare your veggies. Clean the romaine lettuce and napa cabbage, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. The crunchiness of these ingredients will set the base for your salad.
4. Next, slice the purple cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots thinly. Aim for a consistent size so that everything mixes well and creates a uniform texture.
5. Take the green onions and chop them finely. This will add a nice freshness and a hint of onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
6. Now, it’s time to assemble. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cabbage, vegetables, and if you like some sweetness, toss in the mandarin oranges as well.
7. Add in the roasted peanuts and the wonton strips for that perfect crunch. These ingredients will elevate your salad and make each bite exciting.
8. Finally, add the rotisserie chicken on top. You can either slice or cube it based on your preference. This not only makes the salad hearty but also adds that savory element you’ll love.
9. Now, pour the dressing over the salad. If you’re serving it individually, add the dressing to each bowl. If you prefer tossing everything together, do that in the large salad bowl. Mix well to ensure every ingredient is coated with the dressing.
10. Top each serving with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of the Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad lies in its versatility. You can easily tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some customization ideas:

• Change the Protein: Substitute the rotisserie chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Extra Greens: Add in spinach or kale for an even more nutritious boost.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an aromatic touch.
• Fruit Variations: Consider using sliced strawberries or apples instead of mandarin oranges for a different flavor profile.
• Crunch Factor: If you’re not a fan of wonton strips, try adding sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas instead.
• Make it Spicy: Mix in some Sriracha or chili flakes in the dressing for a kick!

What Complements This Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

When serving the Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad, there are several delightful options to enhance your meal:

• Serve with Rice: A side of jasmine or brown rice complements the salad wonderfully and adds more sustenance.
• Ideal for Lunch: This salad makes a fantastic lunch option, perfect for meal prep or simple midday cravings.
• Picnic Favorite: Bring this salad to your next picnic or outdoor gathering for a refreshing dish that everyone will love.
• Pair with Grilled Veggies: Consider serving grilled vegetables on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
• Perfect for Potlucks: This salad is easy to transport and will impress your friends and family at any potluck.
• Seasonal Pairings: During summer, serve it alongside light grilled meats. In fall, enjoy it with roasted sweet potatoes.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together fresh ingredients in a delightful way. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a casual lunch, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a refreshing meal. I encourage you to try it tonight; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

This Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a summer gathering, this salad is easy to make and full of vibrant colors. Try it tonight for a refreshing meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups Romaine Lettuce
• 8 cups Napa Cabbage
• 0.5 cups Purple Cabbage thinly sliced
• 0.5 cups Carrots julienne
• 0.5 cups Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
• 3 Green Onions sliced
• 1 cup Mandarin Oranges sugar free, drained well
• 1 cup Roasted Peanuts dry roasted
• 1 cup Wonton Strips
• 3 cups Rotisserie Chicken sliced or cubed
• to taste Sesame Seeds for garnish
• 0.5 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 0.25 cups Creamy Peanut Butter sugar free
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce reduced sodium
• 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoons Sesame Oil
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Start by making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It should have a creamy texture.
2. Alternatively, you can place all the dressing ingredients in a Mason jar. Seal it with a lid and shake vigorously until well combined. This method is quick and reduces cleanup!
3. While the dressing is coming together, prepare your veggies. Clean the romaine lettuce and napa cabbage, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. The crunchiness of these ingredients will set the base for your salad.
4. Next, slice the purple cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots thinly. Aim for a consistent size so that everything mixes well and creates a uniform texture.
5. Take the green onions and chop them finely. This will add a nice freshness and a hint of onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
6. Now, it's time to assemble. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cabbage, vegetables, and if you like some sweetness, toss in the mandarin oranges as well.
7. Add in the roasted peanuts and the wonton strips for that perfect crunch. These ingredients will elevate your salad and make each bite exciting.
8. Finally, add the rotisserie chicken on top. You can either slice or cube it based on your preference. This not only makes the salad hearty but also adds that savory element you’ll love.
9. Now, pour the dressing over the salad. If you’re serving it individually, add the dressing to each bowl. If you prefer tossing everything together, do that in the large salad bowl. Mix well to ensure every ingredient is coated with the dressing.
10. Top each serving with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Notes

• Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder can be used in place of the chopped garlic clove.
• Sweet Oranges: Sliced sweet orange segments can be used in place of mandarin oranges.
• Pre-packaged Salads: For a no fuss meal purchase salad bags; Romaine and Asian salads. Mix the two.
• Lower Carbs: To lower the carbohydrates serve without wonton strips.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.