Mom'S Chinese Chicken Salad
A flavorful Chinese chicken salad with crunchy almonds, sesame seeds, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for light lunches or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix vinegar, sugar, oil, salt, and pepper together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Brown the sliced almonds and sesame seeds on a cookie sheet for about 10 minutes at 350°F, watching carefully.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Combine the cooled dressing with chopped chicken, shredded lettuce, shredded cabbage, green onions or onion flakes, and the toasted almonds and sesame seeds.
- Toss everything together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier dressing, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or lime juice. You can substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetness. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding some crushed ramen noodles or wonton strips. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for tofu and use a bit more salt as tofu can absorb flavors differently.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled and can be a refreshing main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Egg Drop Soup for a complete meal. For a more filling option, serve it alongside rice or quinoa. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat any chicken, do so gently in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Enjoy warm or cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chinese Chicken Salad contains roughly 1692 calories, with 60g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 145g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), protein (121% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1876mg per serving (82% 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 other types of chicken in this salad?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or grilled chicken for a smoky flavor. Leftover Chicken With Cashews And Snow Peas also works well in this salad, making it a great way to repurpose leftover chicken recipes.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. The vegetables will stay fresh, and adding the dressing right before serving helps maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage and lettuce.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice. You can also include other vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition. Pairing it with a protein-rich side like Stir-Fry Chicken And Pineapple can also enhance the meal.
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).