Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
A vibrant and flavorful Chinese chicken salad featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and crispy won ton chips, perfect for light lunches or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut lettuce and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut green onions into 1/2-inch pieces, separating green tops from white bottoms.
- Cut Chinese parsley into 1/2-inch pieces, separating leaves from stems.
- Place chicken in a pot and cover with water; add white bottoms of green onions, stems of parsley, and a dash of salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken and let it cool.
- Strain the cooking liquid to make clear chicken stock.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large container, combine lettuce, cucumber, green onions, parsley, peanuts, and chicken.
- Add Oriental dressing and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Top the salad with won ton chips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in Lynn'S Teriyaki Marinade before cooking. You can substitute the unsalted peanuts with cashews for a different texture. If you're looking to make it vegan, replace chicken with tofu and use a plant-based dressing. Fresh cilantro can also be a great alternative to Chinese parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light meal on its own or can be paired with Stir-Fry With Rice for a heartier option. For a refreshing touch, serve with a side of Vi'S Chinese Almond Cookies for dessert. It also makes a great potluck dish or picnic option during warm weather.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the chicken separately in a microwave or on the stovetop and then assemble the salad fresh with the chilled ingredients to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chinese Chicken Salad contains roughly 1036 calories, with 33g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), and potassium (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% 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 vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces to maintain a good texture and balance in the salad.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil. You could also mix in a bit of Chinese Mustard Sauce for a tangy and spicy kick that complements the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, but it's best to keep the dressing and won ton chips separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Assemble the salad and store it without dressing for up to 2 days.
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).