Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

There’s something utterly irresistible about a bowl of Chinese Chicken Salad: the beautiful rainbow of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, crispy noodles, and that bold, tangy-sweet sesame dressing drizzled on top. This colorful salad is my favorite answer for days when I want a meal that’s both light and deeply satisfying, and it always manages to please a crowd. The best part? It’s a breeze to put together, and each bite delivers crispy, juicy, nutty, and fresh flavors all in one go!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chinese Chicken Salad does double duty: some add irresistible crunch, others bring vibrant color, and together they create a harmony of flavors you’ll crave. Don’t be tempted to skip any—the magic is in the mix!

• Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie or grilled chicken is ideal for convenience and rich flavor—either way, it soaks up the dressing beautifully.
• Napa cabbage (4 cups, shredded): This mild, slightly sweet cabbage forms the salad’s tender base and pairs perfectly with the zingy dressing.
• Romaine lettuce (2 cups, shredded): Romaine brings a crisp, refreshing bite that keeps things feeling light and lively.
• Red cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds crunch and a gorgeous purple hue that makes the salad utterly Instagram-worthy.
• Shredded carrots (1 cup): Sweet, juicy carrots brighten each bite and make the salad extra colorful.
• Sliced green onions (1/2 cup): These boost the savory notes and add a pop of fresh flavor to every forkful.
• Crispy chow mein noodles (1/2 cup): Crunchy and golden, these noodles are the “secret” ingredient no one can resist!
• Sliced almonds, toasted (1/4 cup): Toasted almonds add nutty depth and a toasty crunch that ties the salad together.
• Sesame seeds, optional (1 tablespoon): Sprinkle these on top for subtle nuttiness and a pretty finish.
• Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): The backbone of your bright and tangy salad dressing.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami depth and a hint of saltiness to the dressing.
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): For that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor you crave in Chinese Chicken Salad.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to balance all the savory and tangy elements.
• Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the dressing blend smoothly and balance the intense flavors.
• Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Brings zingy warmth to the dressing—don’t skip this, it makes all the difference!
• Garlic, minced (1 clove): Adds bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes, optional (pinch): Use for a gentle hint of heat—just enough to awaken your tastebuds.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies and Chicken

Begin by shredding the napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots—aim for thin strips to maximize crunch and make the salad easy to eat. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, quickly shred it with two forks; grilled chicken works great as well. Toss everything together, including the green onions, in a large mixing bowl. You’ll already be able to smell that fresh veggie medley!

Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, vegetable oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and glossy—or, if using a jar, just give it a good shake. The aroma alone will have you reaching for a spoon!

Step 3: Toss Together

Pour your delicious homemade dressing over the chicken and veggies in the big bowl. Use tongs to toss until everything is evenly coated and glossy. You want the dressing to touch every bite, so take your time with the toss!

Step 4: Add Crunch and Serve

Just before serving, scatter the crispy chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. This keeps them extra crispy and irresistible. Serve your Chinese Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature, and get ready for the compliments!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter! I love adding extra green onions, a little more toasted sesame seed, or even a handful of fresh cilantro leaves right before serving. These little pops of flavor and color make the salad look inviting and taste even more exciting.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re planning a fuller spread, think of sides that keep things light and fresh. Steamed dumplings, a simple miso soup, or edamame sprinkled with sea salt all complement the salad’s bright flavors without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck or picnic, serve the Chinese Chicken Salad in individual mason jars or small bowls—layers of colorful veggies create an eye-catching presentation! You can also tuck it into lettuce cups or rice paper rolls for a fun, hand-held twist. Kids especially love when you let them build their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salad, remove any crunchy toppings first so they stay crisp. Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days—the veggies and chicken hold up surprisingly well, especially if you wait to add more dressing until serving.

Freezing

Because the salad relies on fresh, crisp veggies, freezing isn’t recommended—the cabbage and lettuce will lose their bite. However, you can freeze shredded chicken ahead of time or prep batches of the dressing to streamline meal prep.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Chinese Chicken Salad is delicious served straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you’ve stored the components separately, simply assemble and toss with dressing and toppings when ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cabbage for Chinese Chicken Salad?

Absolutely. Feel free to mix and match napa, red, and even green cabbage for different shades of crunch and flavor. The combination suggested here gives the salad that classic look and texture, but don’t be afraid to improvise based on what’s in your fridge!

What’s the best chicken to use in Chinese Chicken Salad?

Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for maximum flavor and ease, but grilled or poached chicken breast works beautifully too. Even leftover roast chicken is fair game—just shred or slice it thin for best results.

Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Definitely! Prep the veggies and chicken and keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate. Just before serving, toss everything together for that perfect, just-made freshness and crunch.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Swap the chow mein noodles for gluten-free alternatives or crispy rice noodles, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to keep everything gluten-free. Double-check your ingredient labels if gluten is an issue.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

For a vegetarian twist, simply swap out the chicken for shelled edamame, crispy tofu, or a medley of extra veggies. The sesame ginger dressing shines just as brightly when paired with plant-based proteins!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a salad that packs a punch of flavor, crunch, and color, Chinese Chicken Salad is the answer. It’s quick to make, endlessly flexible, and has a way of turning any meal into something memorable. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family—there’s nothing like a big, cheerful bowl of Chinese Chicken Salad to bring people together!

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