Chinese Chicken Slaw
A vibrant, crunchy Chinese Chicken Slaw combines shredded cabbage, chicken, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and pea pods, all tossed in a tangy Italian salad dressing with soy sauce. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish, it offers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors that appeal to many palates.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bottle Italian salad dressing ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded green cabbage ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded red cabbage
- 2 c. cubed chicken ⓘ
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 8 oz. can bamboo shoots, drained ⓘ
- 6 oz. package frozen Chinese pea pods, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1/3 c. diced red peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 c. julienne carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Whisk together the Italian salad dressing and soy sauce and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, cubed chicken, drained water chestnuts, drained bamboo shoots, thawed and drained Chinese pea pods, diced red peppers, julienne carrots, and sliced green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss well to combine.
- Chill the salad until ready to serve.
- Serve topped with Chinese noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the water chestnuts with diced jicama. You can also use shredded carrots instead of julienne carrots if that's what you have on hand. Experiment with different dressings; a sesame vinaigrette could add an interesting twist. This dish can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Pair it with main dishes like Ginger Chicken Wings for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Chicken Slaw as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. It pairs well with grilled proteins or can be a refreshing accompaniment to heavier meals like Oriental Beef Casserole. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed rice or some crispy egg rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chinese Chicken Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may cause the cabbage to wilt over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate if possible. When ready to enjoy, simply toss the salad again to rejuvenate the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken Slaw contains roughly 186 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2209mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
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 use different proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the cubed chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu for a vegetarian option, or shrimp. Just ensure that any meat or seafood is fully cooked before mixing it into the salad.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha into the dressing. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for extra spice. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just prepare the ingredients and keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, the vegetables will remain crisp and fresh, ensuring a delicious meal throughout the week.
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).