If you’re craving a vibrant, crunchy, and utterly delicious dish that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken with a colorful mix of Napa and red cabbage, crisp bell pepper, and a bold, tangy dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that can brighten up any lunch or dinner, and it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your go-to rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential in creating a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Every item plays a key role—from the crunchy cabbage base to the nutty toasted almonds and the zingy ginger in the dressing. Let’s dive in!
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: Provides the hearty protein that makes this salad a meal.
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage: Adds a mild, crunchy freshness and vibrant light green color.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Offers a peppery bite and lovely deep purple hue.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brightens the salad with natural sweetness and color.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Gives a crisp texture and sweet, juicy notes.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Brings a gentle onion flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Infuses fresh herbal brightness to every forkful.
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or wonton strips: Adds an irresistible crunch on top.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted): Provides a nutty flavor and extra texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for subtle nuttiness and pretty speckles.
- Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: The tangy heart of the dressing that brightens the salad.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives that distinctive nutty aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Balances the tang with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Brings zesty warmth and a slight spice kick.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Enhances complexity with a savory punch.
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable): Smooths and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The final touch to elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Begin by gathering your fresh vegetables and shredded chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and chopped cilantro. This colorful mixture will form the crunchy and flavorful foundation of your salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and your choice of a neutral oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This dressing is where the magic happens, blending sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty notes that will coat the salad perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite has that delicious, balanced flavor. This step is key because the dressing brings out the freshness of the vegetables and melds all the ingredients into one harmonious dish.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Toppings
Just before serving, sprinkle the crunchy chow mein noodles (or wonton strips), toasted sliced almonds, and sesame seeds if you’re using them. These toppings elevate the salad with satisfying crunch and a nutty finish that makes every forkful a delight.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this salad to the next level. Think extra chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges to squeeze over just before eating. A handful of toasted sesame seeds not only adds texture but also enhances the nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed edamame or a miso soup. Serving it alongside veggie spring rolls or delicate dumplings creates a full, satisfying spread that’s perfect for casual get-togethers or a fun weeknight dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in individual glass bowls to highlight the colorful layers, or pile it high on a large platter for a family-style meal. You could also stuff the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a playful handheld option that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain maximum freshness and crunch, store the dressing and crunchy toppings (like noodles and almonds) separately and add them just before serving again. This way, your salad stays crisp and vibrant.
Freezing
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and crunchy elements would lose their texture and become soggy after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. It tastes best chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmer, gently warming the shredded chicken separately before adding it back to the salad can work, but keep the rest of the ingredients cool to preserve the crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the veggies and dressing for an easy meal.
Is this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you swap soy sauce for tamari and choose gluten-free crunchy noodles or omit them altogether. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Can I add other vegetables or fruits?
Definitely! Mandarins or edamame make delightful additions for extra color and flavor. Feel free to experiment with shredded zucchini, snap peas, or even thinly sliced cucumber for your own twist.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
When stored properly with the dressing and crunchy toppings separate, this salad will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the vegetables may start to soften and the texture will change.
What can I use instead of almonds?
If you’re allergic or just not a fan of almonds, toasted cashews or peanuts work equally well. They add a similar nutty flavor and crunch that complements the salad beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that never fails to impress with its layers of flavor, crunch, and freshness. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a potluck, or just to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, it’s sure to become a favorite. I encourage you to give it a try and tailor it with your own favorite ingredients—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken breast, Napa and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Topped with crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or meal prep.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and neutral oil until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss salad with dressing. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Add crunchy toppings. Just before serving, sprinkle the crunchy chow mein noodles or wonton strips, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds (if using) over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad is best enjoyed immediately after topping but can be served chilled or at room temperature as preferred.
Notes
- Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crisp texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- Enhance the salad with additional ingredients like mandarin oranges or edamame for extra flavor and vibrant color.
- To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the crunchy noodles or wonton strips are gluten-free.
