Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy won ton noodles. The key flavors come from the fresh produce and toasted sesame seeds, making it a perfect light meal for warm days or a delightful addition to gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook saifon a little at a time in 1 inch of hot oil until noodles 'explode'.
- Turn and cook the other side.
- Remove and drain on paper towel.
- Thinly slice the lettuce, cucumbers, celery, bell pepper, scallions, and radishes.
- Put the sliced vegetables in a large bowl and refrigerate.
- Toast sesame seeds until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy texture, fry the saifon in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and puff up nicely. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for cooked chicken breasts. You can also swap vegetables based on your preference, like adding shredded carrots or snap peas for extra crunch. A splash of soy sauce can enhance the flavors of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Chicken Salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dish for warm weather. Pair it with Sesame Chicken Wings for a delightful meal. You can also serve it alongside rice or noodles to create a more filling dinner. For a light lunch, enjoy it with a side of fruit or a light soup to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. To reheat the chicken, simply microwave it for about 30 seconds or warm it in a pan over low heat. Avoid reheating the entire salad; serve cold for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken Salad contains roughly 191 calories, with 22g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value). At about 191 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the vegetables and store them in the fridge, and cook the chicken in advance. Just wait to fry the saifon and mix everything together until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, the vegetables remain crisp and fresh. It's a great option for healthy lunches throughout the week, especially when combined with proteins like chicken or tofu.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).