Crispy Chicken Chow Mein Salad with Citrus Burst
This invigorating Crispy Chicken Chow Mein Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crispy chow mein noodles and a medley of fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. The addition of mandarin oranges introduces a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements. Ideal for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences, and for a creamy twist, feel free to add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dressing. Just remember to let the dressing chill for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Assemble everything just before serving for a crunchy, refreshing experience.
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (None)
Canned Mandarin Juice
2 teaspoons (None)
Soy Sauce
2 teaspoons (None)
Sesame Oil
3-4 teaspoons (None)
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (None)
Rice Vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
Romaine Lettuce
1 small (Torn into pieces)
Cooked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (Shredded or chopped)
Green Onions
3 (Chopped)
Coarsely Grated Carrot
1/3 cup (Grated)
Dry Chow Mein Noodles
2 cups (None)
Toasted Slivered Almonds or Chopped Peanuts
1/3 cup (None)
Canned Mandarin Oranges
To taste (Drained, reserve 2 teaspoons juice for dressing)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, canned mandarin juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
2
In a large serving bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce with the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Add in the chopped green onions, coarsely grated carrot, and dry chow mein noodles. Carefully mix all the ingredients together until well incorporated.
3
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Finally, top the salad with drained mandarin orange segments for a refreshing finish. It’s best to add the oranges just before serving to maintain their juiciness.
5
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy this delightful combination of textures and flavors!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
25.8g
Carbs
15.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Chicken Chow Mein Salad with Citrus Burst?
It is an invigorating salad that combines tender shredded chicken with crispy chow mein noodles, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing topped with mandarin oranges.
How many calories are in this salad?
There are approximately 360 calories in this recipe.
What are the primary ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of brown sugar, canned mandarin juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, and rice vinegar.
How much protein is in a serving of this salad?
This recipe contains 15.5g of protein.
How much fat and carbohydrates are in the salad?
The salad contains 25g of fat and 25.8g of carbohydrates.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour, though a couple of hours is recommended to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?
Yes, for a creamy twist, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dressing.
When should the mandarin oranges be added?
It is best to add the drained mandarin orange segments just before serving to maintain their juiciness.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, either shredded or chopped.
What type of lettuce is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1 small head of romaine lettuce, torn into pieces.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1/3 cup of toasted slivered almonds or chopped peanuts for added texture.
What provides the crunch in the salad?
The crunch comes from 2 cups of dry chow mein noodles and the addition of almonds or peanuts.
What vegetables are included in the mix?
In addition to romaine lettuce, the salad includes green onions and coarsely grated carrot.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for a light dinner?
Yes, it is described as an ideal nutritious lunch or light dinner option.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe specifies using 3 chopped green onions.
How much carrot is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of coarsely grated carrot.
Can the ingredients be customized?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows you to customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is whisking together the dressing ingredients and refrigerating it for at least 1 hour.
Should I toss the salad before or after adding oranges?
You should toss the salad with the dressing first, then top it with the oranges just before serving.
How much sesame oil is used?
The dressing requires 3-4 teaspoons of sesame oil.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing contains 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Is the chicken cooked during the salad preparation?
No, the recipe assumes you are using pre-cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What is the purpose of chilling the dressing?
Chilling the dressing allows the flavors of the sugar, juices, and oils to develop and meld together.
Can this recipe be considered Asian-inspired?
Yes, it is tagged as Asian cuisine due to the chow mein noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
How much vegetable oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
What do I do with the mandarin orange juice?
You reserve 2 teaspoons of the canned mandarin juice to whisk into the dressing.
Should I serve the salad immediately after tossing?
Yes, serve immediately to ensure the chow mein noodles and lettuce remain crunchy.
What is the texture profile of this salad?
The salad features a delightful combination of textures, ranging from crunchy noodles and nuts to tender chicken and juicy oranges.