The Best Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad – Discover the perfect blend of flavors. With “The Best Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.” This delightful salad. Combines shredded chicken, Napa and red cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro. All tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Made with rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. It’s a refreshing. And satisfying dish. That’s perfect for any occasion.
The first time I made this salad. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon. My husband and our little one. Were playing in the yard. And I wanted to whip up something quick. And delicious for lunch. The vibrant colors of the fresh veggies. And the tantalizing aroma of the homemade dressing. Caught their attention immediately. Watching them savor each bite. With big smiles on their faces. Made this recipe an instant family favorite. It’s now our go-to. For a light yet fulfilling meal. That everyone loves.
What makes this The Best Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad truly stands out?
This salad stands out. With its vibrant mix of crunchy Napa. And red cabbage, juicy shredded chicken, and the tangy-sweet dressing. The addition of fried wonton strips. And sesame seeds. Adds a delightful crunch. Making each bite. A textural delight. It’s not only quick to prepare. But also perfect for meal prep. Staying fresh. And flavorful for days.
What You Need To Make This The Best Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Canola Oil: This mild oil acts as the perfect carrier. For the robust flavors in the dressing. Without overpowering them.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess. That balances the sweet and savory elements of the dressing.
Hoisin Sauce: A rich, sweet, and salty sauce. That gives the dressing its distinctive depth.
Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami kick. That ties all the flavors together.
Fresh Ginger: The grated ginger. Adds a zesty, aromatic freshness. That elevates the entire salad.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a half teaspoon. Adds a delightful, nutty aroma. That makes the dressing irresistible.
Cooked Chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. It adds a hearty protein punch to the salad.
Napa and Red Cabbage: These cabbages provide a satisfying crunch. And vibrant color contrast.
Shredded Carrots: Sweet and colorful. They add a lovely crunch. And visual appeal.
Scallions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor. That blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note. That lightens the salad.
Fried Wonton Strips: These optional strips. Add a fantastic crunchy texture. That makes each bite exciting.
Sesame Seeds: Optional. But they add a nice visual garnish. And a slight crunch.
Steps To Make The Best Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad:
Step 1: Make the Dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Combine the canola oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Shake vigorously. Until well combined. Let the flavors meld at room temperature. While you prepare the rest of the salad. Or refrigerate for up to 4 days if making ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, scallions, and cilantro. Give the dressing another good shake to recombine. Then pour it over the salad.
Step 3: Toss and Serve: Toss the salad. Until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle with fried wonton strips. And sesame seeds, if desired. For added crunch and garnish. Serve immediately. And enjoy!
Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. After tossing with the dressing. This resting period. Allows the flavors to meld together. Making each bite. More harmonious and delicious. If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time. Keep the dressing and salad components separate. Until just before serving. To maintain the crispness of the vegetables. Also, try toasting the sesame seeds for a few minutes. Before sprinkling them over the salad. This simple step. Enhances their flavor. Adds an irresistible nutty aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad and dressing separately. And store them in the refrigerator. Toss them together just before serving. To keep everything crisp. And fresh.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
You can use a mix of soy sauce. And a bit of honey or brown sugar. To mimic the sweet. And savory flavor of hoisin sauce.
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! Green cabbage. Or even a coleslaw mix. Can be used in place of Napa and red cabbage.
The Best Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad. Is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. That will elevate your salad game. Tender shredded chicken combines with crunchy Napa and red cabbage, sweet carrots, and fresh scallions. All tossed in a homemade dressing. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of hoisin. And soy sauce. The toasted sesame oil. Adds a subtle nutty aroma. Making this dish incredibly irresistible. Perfect for a quick lunch. Or a light dinner. This salad is sure to become. A favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing:
2 tbsp canola oil
1/3 c rice vinegar
1/4 c hoisin sauce
1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
Salad:
4 c cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 lb Napa cabbage, cored and finely shredded
2 c red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
1 c shredded carrots
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 c fresh cilantro, minced
1 c fried wonton strips
2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
Make the Dressing: Shake canola oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil in a small jar until combined.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, Napa and red cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Serve: Sprinkle with fried wonton strips and sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
To make this delicious Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad gluten-free. Simply substitute the soy sauce. With a gluten-free tamari. Or soy sauce alternative. Ensure the hoisin sauce you use is also gluten-free. As some brands may contain wheat. Double-check the ingredient labels on the fried wonton strips. Or make your own gluten-free version at home. By making these simple adjustments. You can enjoy all the delightful flavors and textures of this salad. Without any gluten. Making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Or celiac disease.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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