California Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish reminds me of the bright and fresh flavors of a california chinese chicken salad recipe, combined with the zesty punch often found in ming’s chinese chicken salad recipe. I love how it brings a crunchy texture and a sweet-savory balance, similar to a black chicken salad recipe I once tried. You can even tweak it using a chinese chicken salad dressing recipe hawaii style, giving a bit of tropical flair. In short, this is one of those meals I keep returning to—I can’t stop making it!
Servings
Feeds about 4 (with a little left for your next day’s lunch, if you’re lucky!).
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Serves
4–6 people
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Whisk or fork for dressing
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or sliced
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chow mein noodles for crunch
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Dressing (see below)
Simple Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii Inspired
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but awesome)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Method
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Chop or shred your lettuce, carrots, and cabbage. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. Season with salt, pepper, and ginger if you like that extra zing.
Step 3: Combine It All
Add the chicken to the veggies, drizzle the dressing on top, then toss gently. Finish with sliced almonds or chow mein noodles plus green onions.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Give it about 5 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Dig in!
Tips & Variations
- Hawaiian Vibe: For a true chinese chicken salad recipe hawaii spin, add some diced pineapple.
- Extra Flavor: Substitute peanut sauce for a creamy touch or toss in mandarin oranges for sweetness.
- Black Chicken Salad Twist: If you want a deeper color in your chicken, marinate it briefly in soy sauce before cooking.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 15g
Diet & Allergen Info
This salad is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip chow mein noodles. It can be made dairy-free without any cheese additions.
Storage Suggestions
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The crunchy toppings might soften, so store them separately if possible.
FAQ
Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely. Just store the dressing separately and mix it in when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a great alternative for almonds?
Yes, roasted peanuts or sesame seeds work well for that extra crunch!
