Ingredients

4 cups Napa cabbage (shredded)

3 cups Iceberg lettuce (chopped)

2 ½ cups cooked chicken (diced)

1 cup carrots (julienned)

11 oz. mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)

1/3 cup green onions (diced)

½ cup chow mein noodles

½ cup crispy wonton strips

¼ cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)

¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil

½ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger in a jar with a lid. Shake well to combine or blend in a mini food processor. Refrigerate while preparing the salad.

Step 2: Arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce on a serving platter or in a large bowl. Drizzle with a little of the dressing and toss lightly to coat.

Step 3: Top the greens with diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, and diced green onions. Drizzle with more dressing.

Step 4: Sprinkle the salad with sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve the remaining dressing on the side for additional flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast for convenience and extra flavor.

Substitute mandarin oranges with segmented fresh orange or canned pineapple for a different fruity twist.

Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or mint for a fresh herbal note.

For a spicy kick, mix a little sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the dressing.

To keep the salad crisp, add crunchy toppings like nuts and wonton strips just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can be kept for up to one week. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. If you prepare the entire salad ahead, it is best consumed within a few hours. Reheat is not recommended as this is best served fresh and cold.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra nuts, tofu, or chickpeas for protein to keep the salad balanced and satisfying.

What dressing can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mixture of soy sauce and a small amount of honey or brown sugar for sweetness, though the flavor will be slightly different yet still delicious.