Imagine a bowl brimming with vibrant colors, irresistible crunch, and a harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors — that’s exactly what you get with Chinese Chicken Salad. This is one of those dishes that feels both light and satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or even as the star at your next potluck. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a sesame-soy dressing that’s utterly crave-worthy, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chinese Chicken Salad lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients, each one bringing something essential to the table. From the crunch of the cabbage to the nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds, every component is there for a reason — so let’s break down why you don’t want to skip a thing.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie or poached chicken works beautifully, soaking up the dressing and providing filling protein.
- Napa cabbage: Thinly sliced for a mild, delicate crunch; it’s the backbone of the salad.
- Romaine lettuce: Adds freshness and a different texture, keeping the salad light and crisp.
- Shredded carrots: A pop of color and natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Thin strips add vibrancy and a juicy, subtle tang.
- Green onions: Fresh, zesty, and aromatic — they tie all the flavors together.
- Crunchy chow mein noodles: The ultimate topper for an addictive, golden crunch.
- Sliced almonds (toasted): Nutty flavor and extra texture — don’t skip the toasting for best results!
- Sesame seeds (toasted): These little guys pack a punch of flavor and look beautiful sprinkled on top.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a gentle tang that keeps the dressing light and bright.
- Soy sauce: The umami backbone of the dressing, balancing saltiness and depth.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash brings a signature toasty aroma you can’t miss.
- Honey or sugar: A hint of sweetness rounds out the acidity and salt.
- Vegetable oil: Blends everything together without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fresh lime juice: For a citrusy lift that brightens the entire salad.
- Garlic (minced): Adds sharpness and aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger (grated): A little zing goes a long way, bringing warmth and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — taste and adjust to your liking!
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by mixing up your dressing in a small bowl or jar. Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Give it a good whisk or shake until everything blends smoothly, then taste and tweak the flavors to fit your mood. The dressing should be balanced — not too sweet, not too salty, with a zing from the vinegar and lime.
Step 2: Prep and Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded chicken, napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions. Toss them all together so each bite will have a little of everything. This colorful medley is what makes Chinese Chicken Salad not only taste amazing but look fantastic on any table.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the salad mixture. Use tongs or your clean hands to toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats every nook and cranny. This is where the flavors really come alive, as the veggies and chicken soak up all that deliciousness.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings
Just before serving, sprinkle the chow mein noodles, toasted sliced almonds, and sesame seeds over the top. This step is crucial for maximum crunch — add them too early, and they’ll soften. The contrast between the crisp veggies and these toppings is what makes Chinese Chicken Salad so irresistible.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Garnishing your salad is more than just a finishing touch — it’s what makes every bowl feel special. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions right before serving. If you want to add a pop of color, a few mandarin orange segments can look stunning and add a sweet, citrusy bite.
Side Dishes
Chinese Chicken Salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’d like to make it part of a larger meal, try serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice, vegetable spring rolls, or a bowl of hot-and-sour soup. These side dishes complement the salad’s flavors and turn lunch or dinner into a full feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra fun presentation, you can serve Chinese Chicken Salad in lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer, or pile it high on a platter for a family-style meal. Individual mason jars make for cute picnic or potluck servings, and you can even wrap the salad in rice paper for a fresh twist on summer rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the veggies crisp and the toppings crunchy. The undressed salad should stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the dressing can last up to a week.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for fully assembled Chinese Chicken Salad (the veggies lose their crunch), you can freeze cooked shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw and use it when you’re ready to whip up a fresh batch of salad.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad — it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’re using pre-cooked, frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before tossing it into your salad.
FAQs
Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu, edamame, or even crispy chickpeas. The salad is just as delicious and packed with protein, and you’ll still get all the vibrant flavors and textures.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this salad?
Rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver, but you can also poach chicken breasts and shred them with two forks or your hands. For super tender shreds, let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking before pulling it apart.
Can I add fruit to Chinese Chicken Salad?
Definitely! Mandarin oranges are a classic addition, but you could also try pineapple chunks or even thinly sliced apples for a fresh, sweet contrast to the savory elements.
Is the dressing gluten-free?
The dressing can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Just double-check all your ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, especially the chow mein noodles.
How far in advance can I prepare Chinese Chicken Salad?
You can chop all the veggies and mix the dressing up to a day ahead. For the freshest results, combine everything and add the crunchy toppings right before serving so the salad stays crisp and lively.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delightful meal, Chinese Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and so easy to customize. Give it a try and let its colorful crunch and zesty dressing win you over — your taste buds (and friends!) will thank you.
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course or Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, colorful vegetables, and a crunchy topping of chow mein noodles, almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. Tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet sesame lime dressing, it makes for a vibrant, healthy meal perfect for a no-cook, quick prep lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup crunchy chow mein noodles
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, sliced napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix all the components evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad bowl. Toss thoroughly so that every ingredient is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, top the salad with crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds to retain their texture and add a delightful crunch.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh for the best texture. Optionally, garnish with additional lime wedges or fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Notes
- The salad and dressing can be prepared separately ahead of time and combined just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- Add mandarin oranges or chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh twist.
- This salad works well as a light main dish or as a side alongside Asian-inspired meals.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked tofu for chicken and use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
