This version of Chinese Chicken Salad is more “fresh”, with a dressing that isn’t loaded with sugar. It’s quite easy to put together,and you can be creative in cutting the vegetables that you want. To make things even easier, buy a rotisserie chicken at your local deli/grocery store. It’s a whole lot cheaper than going out to a restaurant and ordering one– plus you know what’s in the salad dressing!
I should give myself a pat on the back. I’m actually participating in the “Healthy Recipes” season. Don’t get too excited. I haven’t gone “Health Nut”. Do not adjust your station. This is only temporary.
I do eat pretty healthy–most of the time. (Of course, there’s my weakness for fries). Okay, okay! I admit it–I have a sweet tooth and I’ve been known to eat oatmeal cookies for breakfast However, I enjoy fresh fish and even enjoy eating vegetarian meals. I try to play the “balance game”.Â
I am blessed to live in the Salinas Valley–where I can buy organic vegetables pretty much year-round. Did you know that the Salinas Valley of California is called “The Salad Bowl of the World“? It’s true! Our home is right in the thick of it. My daily commute to work is right past acres of Driscoll strawberries. I drive past lettuce fields, broccoli, cabbage– just about anything fresh and green. This is Steinbeck Country!
I’m a little weird about something, given that I enjoy cooking so much. I love kneading bread dough, baking homemade cakes and enjoy making a fancy dinner for company.  Pssssssst. Here’s my inside secret. Lean closer– I don’t like to make salads! ‘Tis true. Don’t ask me why, but I get bored with all the chopping. (Except for this favorite salad.) Thank goodness for Spring Mix Salad! I grab a handful, mix up a fast vinaigrette, toss on some shredded carrots…and, if in season, some cherry tomatoes and that’s what you get.
 I’ll tell you one more true confession– I just think that salad, as a main meal is wrong. It’s kind of like Chinese food. If I eat a salad for dinner, I feel hungry an hour later. My husband, on the other hand, existed on salads for dinner during his bachelor days. He takes one to work, for lunch, every day. Yawn.
Chinese Chicken Salad, Made Lite
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 small rotisserie chicken about 4 cups, shredded
- 1-2 heads romaine lettuce shredded (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 small head purple cabbage shredded
- 2-3 scallions sliced (white and green parts)
- 1 carrot peeled and grated
- 1 cup cucumber I used 1/3 of an English cucumber, sliced into batons*
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1 mandarin oranges drained (optional)
For the dressing:
- 3 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all of the chopped veggies. Add the shredded chicken.
- In a small bowl (I use a small Mason jar with a lid), whisk together the dressing ingredients and then pour over the salad, tossing to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Spring mix has certainly made salad making easier. We love salads and eat them often. I've always enjoyed the prep work and find it relaxes me.
Your salad is gorgeous and filled with color and crunch. I make a salad with the noodles and it's one my husband's favorites. I should remember to use the crunchy noodles more often 🙂
Sam
I hate all the chopping, too! You are not alone in that regard. This salad sounds delicious (and I think the photos came out pretty dang good!) I'll be making this!
I'm also one who doesn't often eat salad as a main dish. This looks like a great recipe, I'm going to try it!
I HATE making salads also. At least, lettuce-based ones.
If they have fun mix-ins (like this does) or a really awesome dressing (like this does)…I might be convinced to make them. Maybe. 🙂
I'm with you on salads. I find them boring too. But this one is definitely a keeper. Happy New Year Debby.
This is just what we need to keep us on the right track Debbie
This sounds so delicious. I think I can be good…at least until you post that gorgeous coconut cake!
I know what you mean about salads. I have terrible knife skills because about a quarter of the way through heavy chopping, I just get bored and start chopping sloppily and all my veggies are chunky and uneven.
I'd be willing to chop a bit for this though. You did a great job of lightening up the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
This looks so fresh and delicious. Love the crunch in there.