Name: Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast; 4 cups shredded napa cabbage or green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 3 green onions (sliced); ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted); ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); ¼ cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic (minced); ¼ cup neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

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If you’re in the mood for something fresh, vibrant, and packing that satisfying combination of crunch and zing, Chinese Chicken Salad is about to become your newest obsession. Bursting with juicy shredded chicken, colorful veggies, toasted almonds, and crisp noodles, all tied together with a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, this dish checks every box for taste, texture, and pure joy. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving up something irresistible to friends, this salad is endlessly adaptable, always crowd-pleasing, and a welcome departure from ordinary lunchtime fare.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about a great Chinese Chicken Salad is that every ingredient plays its part to perfection. The vibrant veggies provide crunch and sweetness, the chicken brings satisfying protein, and the homemade dressing infuses everything with irresistible flavor. Here’s why you’ll want each element in your bowl:

Cooked, shredded chicken breast (3 cups): Go for leftover rotisserie or simply poach your own—this is what makes your salad hearty and satisfying.
Shredded napa cabbage or green cabbage (4 cups): Crisp, juicy, and fresh; the base that brings color and crunch.
Shredded carrots (1 cup): Add a touch of sweetness and a splash of orange vibrancy.
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): Sweet, crunchy, and a pop of color that makes your salad beautiful and inviting.
Green onions, sliced (3): Mildly pungent and herby, they weave subtle sharpness through each bite.
Sliced almonds, toasted (½ cup): Rich, nutty crunch that elevates every forkful (lightly toast for extra aroma).
Crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips (½ cup): That classic, addictive crunch—the finishing touch you’ll crave in every bowl.
Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Tiny, toasty seeds add visual interest and gentle nuttiness.
For the dressing:
Rice vinegar (¼ cup): This is your secret weapon for tang and balance.
Low-sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds rich, savory depth without overpowering the salad.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A splash brings that unmistakable toasty aroma and subtle flavor.
Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Sweetness rounds out the dressing for perfectly balanced bites.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth, zing, and a little heat.
Garlic, minced (1 clove): For its aromatic bite, tying all the flavors together.
Neutral oil (avocado or canola, ¼ cup): Smooths out the dressing and helps coat every shred of veggie and chicken.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Chicken

Start by shredding your cooked chicken breast using two forks or your fingers. You’ll want nice bite-sized pieces so every forkful features a little bit of everything. Next, shred the napa or green cabbage, carrots, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, and chop up the green onions. Lay everything out in a big salad bowl—colorful and ready to shine.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

Grab a small bowl and whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and your neutral oil of choice. Give it a taste—you’re looking for a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. If you like a bit more kick, feel free to add another touch of ginger or even a drizzle more honey for sweetness.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Pour your fragrant dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture. Using tongs or your hands, toss everything together until each piece is glistening and evenly coated. The aroma at this point is already mouthwatering!

Step 4: Add the Crunch

Right before serving, sprinkle your toasted almonds, crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips, and sesame seeds (if using) over the top. These final additions guarantee irresistible crunch and that signature finishing touch that makes Chinese Chicken Salad so special. Serve immediately and make some extra—seconds are practically guaranteed.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a dazzling finish, go big on garnishes: scatter extra sliced green onions and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for color and aroma. A light sprinkle of sesame seeds or even a dash of black pepper makes every bowl feel restaurant-worthy. If you like a punch of heat, a spoonful of chili crisp or a squeeze of sriracha is also delightful.

Side Dishes

While Chinese Chicken Salad is definitely the star on its own, you can build it into a dream lunch or dinner spread. Pair with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed dumplings, or a small side of hot-and-sour soup. Fresh fruit like orange wedges or pineapple slices are a light and juicy complement to the salad’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

This salad loves a little flair! For parties or gatherings, serve it in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option. Make it a centerpiece in a large salad bowl at your next potluck. You can even set up a “salad bar” and let everyone build their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salad (without the crunchy toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store almonds and crispy noodles separately to keep them fresh, then add right before enjoying again.

Freezing

Chinese Chicken Salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh vegetables and the dressing, which can cause things to go limp when thawed. For best results, only make what you’ll enjoy over the next few days, or keep the ingredients and dressing separate if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat this salad—it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve prepped the chicken ahead, you can gently warm it before tossing with the salad—but otherwise, everything is designed to be fabulously fresh straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein in Chinese Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Swap in grilled tofu, cooked shrimp, or edamame for a vegetarian or pescatarian twist. The dressing and veggies play equally well with all sorts of proteins.

How do I keep the crunchy toppings from getting soggy?

Only add toasted almonds, crispy noodles, or wonton strips right before serving. Keep them separate if you’re meal-prepping, and you’ll always have that perfect crunch!

Is there a way to make the dressing healthier?

You can use less oil, swap in a natural sweetener, or even add a squeeze of fresh orange juice for extra brightness. Low-sodium soy sauce keeps things light without losing flavor.

Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Definitely! Prep all the veggies, chicken, and dressing in advance. Store everything separately and toss together just before you’re ready to serve for ultimate freshness.

What substitutions work for the cabbage?

If you can’t find napa or green cabbage, use romaine or even a broccoli slaw mix for a tasty alternative. Anything sturdy and crunchy will work beautifully for this salad.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant, satisfying bowl that brightens up any table and brings a smile with every crunchy, savory bite. I hope you give it a try soon; it might just become your own favorite way to bring joy to lunch or dinner!

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and a savory dressing come together to create a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
4 cups shredded napa cabbage or green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
3 green onions (sliced)
½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
½ cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the dressing:

¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic (minced)
¼ cup neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.