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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Chinese chicken salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the crunch of fresh vegetables, the tender warmth of chicken, and the exciting flavors of Asian-inspired dressing. This delightful salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, easily satisfying your cravings without feeling heavy. With crispy cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, and nutty almonds, every bite is a colorful explosion of flavors and textures.

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 first stumbled upon this Chinese Chicken Salad at a potluck event, and it quickly became a staple in my meal rotation. Its vibrant ingredients not only make it visually appealing but also create a flavor symphony that dances on your taste buds. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and adaptability—perfect for using up leftover chicken or showcasing seasonal produce. If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly recipe that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet mandarin oranges and savory chicken is nothing short of delightful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of the ingredients make it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: This salad is great for lunch, dinner, or even as a potluck dish.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be easily adjusted for gluten-free or vegan diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

14 ounce package coleslaw mix (or 3-4 cups shredded cabbage): This serves as the salad’s crunchy base, bringing texture and freshness.
1 package chicken flavored ramen: Adds a satisfying crunch when broken into pieces.
2 cups cooked chicken, coarsely chopped: Provides protein and heartiness. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great!
15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained very well: Sweet and juicy, these add a bright burst of flavor.
½ cup sliced almonds: They introduce a lovely crunch that complements the other ingredients nicely.
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds: These enhance the nutty flavor and make the salad visually appealing.
2-3 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish): Offers a fresh, oniony kick.
⅓ cup olive oil: The base of the dressing, providing a silky texture.
3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the dish.
1 packet ramen chicken seasoning packet: This flavorful addition serves as the salad dressing’s secret weapon.
½ teaspoon sesame oil: Just a touch brings a rich, nutty flavor that rounds out the dressing.
1 teaspoon salt: Essentials for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
½ teaspoon pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a bit of heat.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Combine the Base: In a large bowl, add the 14 ounce package of coleslaw mix. If using fresh cabbage, ensure it’s shredded into thin pieces for the best texture.
Add the Noodles: Break one package of chicken flavored ramen into bite-sized pieces and toss it into the bowl with the coleslaw mix.
Incorporate the Chicken and Fruits: Add 2 cups of coarsely chopped cooked chicken and the drained 15 ounce can of mandarin oranges. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Toss in Crunchy Additions: Sprinkle in ½ cup sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.
Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, one packet of the ramen chicken seasoning, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is fully coated.
Garnish and Serve: Finish with sliced green onions, if using, then serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve dressed the salad, it’s best to eat it within a day for optimal crunchiness. For longer storage, you can keep the salad components separate and combine them right before serving. While this salad is not ideal for freezing, the dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week. When reheating, just warm the chicken gently in the microwave—be mindful not to overdo it, as this could dry out the chicken.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor and crunch.
For the crunchiest ramen, add it right before serving.
Feel free to mix in leftover vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color.
If using fresh chicken, poach or grill it for a juicy result.
Experiment with adding other nuts or seeds to vary the flavor profile.
Keep dressing separate from salad until just before serving to maintain texture.

This simple yet delicious recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad provides a delightful mix of flavor and texture that will have your family asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s flexible enough to be customized to your liking. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at a family gathering, this salad is sure to impress.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and mix everything together right before serving to maintain the salad’s crunch.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Cooked chicken works best, whether it’s rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even leftover chicken from a previous meal. The key is to ensure it’s coarsely chopped for a good bite.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, simply substitute the ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles and ensure your chicken seasoning is gluten-free as well.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any crunchy vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots. It’s a great way to customize the salad to suit your tastes!

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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

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet mandarin oranges. Perfect for a quick meal, it’s refreshing and satisfying—ideal for a light 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 chicken flavored ramen noodles into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl.
Combine the chopped chicken, drained mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and sesame seeds into the bowl. Toss to mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, ramen seasoning packet, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, toss in additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Make ahead by preparing the salad and dressing separately, combining just before serving.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.