If you are craving a fresh, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken with crisp Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, and a vibrant mix of veggies, each bite bursts with contrasting textures and bright colors. The dressing—a perfect harmony of tangy rice vinegar, umami soy sauce, and fragrant sesame oil—brings everything together beautifully, making it a go-to salad for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you want a light meal or a satisfying side, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an important role in creating the refreshing, savory, and crunchy notes that make this salad so irresistible. From the crisp vegetables to the rich dressing, every item is essential in crafting that authentic flavor and delightful texture combination.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded): Offers protein and tender, juicy bites throughout the salad.
- 4 cups Napa cabbage (thinly sliced): Adds a mild crunch and light flavor that balances the dish.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped): Brings freshness and a slightly crisp texture.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Provides a sweet earthiness and vibrant orange color.
- ½ cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Delivers a subtle sweetness and bright red hue.
- ½ cup green onions (sliced): Offers a mild bite and herbaceous punch.
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted): Contributes a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the chicken.
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles: Adds irresistible crunch and an authentic touch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Gives a delicate nuttiness and enhances sesame flavor.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Provides tangy brightness in the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a salty note.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a rich, toasted sesame aroma.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Balances acidity with natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil: Brings smoothness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Brings savory pungency for an extra flavor boost.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start with shredded cooked chicken breast paired with thinly sliced Napa cabbage and chopped romaine lettuce for a refreshing leafy foundation. Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell peppers, and green onions for freshness, color, and a subtle crunch that sets the stage for this lively salad.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden. This simple step boosts their nutty flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the salad’s tender and crunchy elements.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. This vibrant dressing balances tang, sweet, and savory notes with a touch of warmth from the ginger, tying every ingredient harmoniously together.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the salad base ingredients and toasted almonds, then pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly until every bite is evenly coated with dressing and awash in flavor.
Step 5: Add Crunchy Toppings
Just before serving, top the salad with crispy wonton strips or crunchy chow mein noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like. These final touches add irresistible texture and authentic style to your preparation of this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to boost the salad visually and flavor-wise by adding mandarin orange segments or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. These garnishes add a pop of color and a burst of citrus brightness, complementing the rich dressing beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside simple dishes like steamed jasmine rice or vegetable spring rolls. Its lively textures and flavors can easily hold the spotlight or balance heartier sides you want to enjoy alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in edible lettuce cups or crisp rice paper wraps for a handheld delight. You can also layer the salad in a clear jar to showcase its colorful layers, perfect for packed lunches or picnic treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain crispness. Store salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, then toss with dressing just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the crunchy vegetables and dressing. To save time, you can freeze cooked chicken breast ahead of time and thaw when ready to prepare the salad.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary for this dish since it is intended to be served chilled or at room temperature. Simply assemble when ready, and enjoy the fresh, crisp experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves prep time without compromising the salad’s fresh appeal.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your crispy toppings do not contain wheat. You can substitute with gluten-free crispy rice noodles or skip the crunchy toppings altogether.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add edamame, snap peas, or sliced cucumbers for extra texture and nutrition. This salad is very adaptable to whatever fresh veggies you enjoy.
How long does the salad stay fresh once tossed with dressing?
Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a few hours because the crunchy veggies will soften over time. For the best experience, toss just before serving.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken with baked tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup in the dressing to keep the recipe fully plant-based and still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a perfect blend of textures, colors, and bold flavors that brighten up any meal. It’s easy to make, flexible to customize, and endlessly satisfying whether for a quick lunch or a stunning dinner side. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this vibrant salad as much as I do—it truly feels like a little crunchy celebration in every bite!
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-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with a crisp mix of Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Enhanced with toasted almonds and crunchy wonton strips, this Asian-American salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for a light lunch or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced Napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, toasted sliced almonds, and shredded cooked chicken breast. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, vegetable or canola oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles atop the salad for added texture, and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top if using.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its crisp and refreshing flavors.
Notes
- For meal prep, keep the dressing and crispy toppings separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient time-saver.
- Optional additions like mandarin oranges or edamame can add sweetness and extra texture.
- This salad pairs well with a light Asian-inspired meal or as a satisfying standalone dish.
