Susan'S Ever Famous And Delicious Chinese Chicken Salad
A vibrant Chinese chicken salad combining tender shredded chicken, crisp lettuce, noodles, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy sesame and rice vinegar dressing, perfect for light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a large platter with shredded lettuce.
- Bake the chicken breasts and let them cool.
- Shred the cooled chicken.
- Marinate the shredded chicken with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine oil, Chinese rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, and hoisin sauce to make the dressing.
- Cook the cellophane noodles until tender, then drain.
- Add the noodles, chopped scallions, and roasted almonds to the salad.
- Toss everything together to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of chili flakes to the dressing. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the boneless chicken breasts. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Pair this salad with a side of fried rice and ham for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled and can be a refreshing main dish or a side. Consider pairing it with other Chinese recipes like Sweet And Sour Chicken Chow Mein for a delightful meal. For added crunch, serve with crispy wonton strips on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, it's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Susan'S Ever Famous And Delicious Chinese Chicken Salad contains roughly 1217 calories, with 26g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% 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 vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers for extra crunch and color. You can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and dressing in advance. However, it's best to add the lettuce, noodles, and almonds right before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I substitute for cellophane noodles?
If you can't find cellophane noodles, you can use rice noodles or even thin pasta as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
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).