Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and satisfying dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants. Combining crisp vegetables, juicy shredded chicken, crunchy toppings, and a bold, savory-sweet dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress guests, this salad has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Salad
- Refreshing & Crunchy: The combination of fresh vegetables and crispy toppings makes every bite satisfying.
- Protein-Packed: Shredded chicken adds a hearty, filling component, making it a well-rounded meal.
- Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Quick to Prepare: With a few simple steps, you can whip up this restaurant-quality salad in no time.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached works well)
- 4 cups shredded napa cabbage (or a mix of napa and red cabbage)
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame (optional, for extra protein)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (for a sweet contrast)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
For the Crunchy Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (adds depth and sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for a bright, fresh finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it with a fork or your hands. If poaching, place chicken breasts in simmering water for 12-15 minutes, then shred once cooled.
2. Chop the Vegetables
Thinly slice the napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, and red bell pepper. Chop the green onions and cilantro. Drain the mandarin oranges if using canned.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and lime juice. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the prepared vegetables. Toss everything together.
5. Add Crunchy Toppings
Sprinkle chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds on top for added texture.
6. Drizzle and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Plate the salad and serve immediately. For meal prep, store the dressing separately and mix before eating.
Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp vegetables and quality chicken make a noticeable difference.
- Toast the Nuts & Seeds: Lightly toasting almonds and sesame seeds enhances their flavor.
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or soba noodles for a heartier version.
- Adjust the Dressing: Want it tangier? Add more lime juice. Prefer it sweeter? Increase the honey.
Variations to Try
1. Vegetarian Version:
Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, or use a mix of edamame and chickpeas for protein.
2. Spicy Kick:
Add extra Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for more heat.
3. Peanut Dressing Alternative:
Substitute the sesame dressing with a peanut-based sauce for a richer, nuttier flavor.
4. Keto-Friendly Option:
Skip the crunchy noodles and mandarin oranges, and add more leafy greens and avocado.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve with a side of miso soup or dumplings for a complete meal.
- As a Side Salad: Pairs well with grilled meats, stir-fried dishes, or sushi.
- For Meal Prep: Store ingredients separately and assemble fresh before eating.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken Salad is a versatile, fresh, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balance of crunch, protein, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s no wonder this salad remains a favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Chinese Chicken Salad
Description
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It's a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With fresh cabbage, carrots, and toasted almonds, this salad delivers the perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Salad Base:
For the Crunchy Toppings:
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely shred both green and purple cabbage. Julienne the carrots and thinly slice the green onions. Shred the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Cook and shred the chicken if not using rotisserie chicken.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and vegetable oil until well combined. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
Toast the Almonds & Sesame Seeds
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring once. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine shredded cabbages, carrots, romaine lettuce, green onions, and shredded chicken. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
Add the Crunchy Toppings & Serve
- Sprinkle toasted almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or edamame.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap crispy chow mein noodles for toasted sunflower seeds.
Storage: Keep the salad and dressing separate if storing for meal prep. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add more protein: Try adding sesame-crusted salmon or shrimp.
