Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced 4 cups shredded napa cabbage or green cabbage 1 cup shredded carrots 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 3 green onions, sliced 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped For the Dressing: 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a satisfying mix of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and crunchy toppings, all brought together by a delicious sesame-soy dressing. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. The combination of textures and bright flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser and a healthy option for any meal.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
4 cups shredded napa cabbage or green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
1 cup crispy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds to make the dressing.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
Just before serving, sprinkle sliced almonds and crispy noodles on top.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 20-25 minutes.

Variations

Add mandarin orange segments or sliced mango for sweetness.
Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Substitute nuts with cashews or sunflower seeds.
Toss with cooked noodles for a more filling salad.
Add sliced cucumber or snap peas for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add crispy noodles and nuts just before serving to maintain texture. This salad is best served cold and is not suitable for reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crunchy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it vegan?

Omit chicken and use tofu or chickpeas; ensure dressing is vegan-friendly.

How do I keep the salad crunchy?

Add crunchy toppings like noodles and nuts just before serving.

Can I use pre-shredded vegetables?

Yes, but fresh shredding provides better texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?

Fried wonton strips or crispy rice noodles work well.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep salad and dressing separate and store in airtight containers in the fridge.

Can I add other proteins?

Grilled shrimp, beef, or tofu are great alternatives.

How long does the salad keep?

Best eaten within 2 days for freshness and crunch.

What sides pair well with this salad?

Serve with steamed rice, egg rolls, or dumplings.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that combines fresh ingredients with savory dressing and crunchy textures. Perfect for quick lunches or light dinners, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal inspired by Asian cuisine.