If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with vibrant colors, satisfying crunch, and a delightful medley of flavors, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is just what you need. It perfectly balances tender shredded chicken with crisp Napa and red cabbages, crunchy almonds, and those irresistible crispy chow mein noodles. Tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing with sesame and fresh ginger, it’s a refreshing and wholesome dish that’s quick to assemble and incredibly satisfying. Whether you need a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a dish to impress at a gathering, this salad delivers flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the key to making this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe a standout. Each component plays an important role, creating a harmony of taste and texture that makes every forkful a joy.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: Provides a lean, protein-packed base that makes the salad hearty.
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage: Adds a mild, crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Brings a vibrant color and slightly peppery bite to complement the Napa cabbage.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers a natural sweetness and bright orange color that livens up the salad.
- ½ cup sliced green onions: Lends a gentle oniony zest that elevates the overall flavor.
- ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted): Gives a toasty crunch and nutty depth.
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles: Infuses an addictive crispy texture that keeps every bite exciting.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds an aromatic nuttiness and subtle crunch.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Contributes fresh herbal brightness and a hint of citrus notes.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Offers tangy acidity that balances sweetness and richness.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory umami without overpowering the salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides gentle sweetness to round out the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers rich, toasty flavor essential to Asian-inspired dishes.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps meld the dressing ingredients and keep the salad juicy.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Brings warming spice and brightness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds subtle pungency and depth.
- Juice of ½ lime: Infuses fresh citrus notes for a lively punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by gathering your shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, toasted almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro into a large mixing bowl. This creates the colorful and crunchy foundation for your salad that will shine once the dressing is added.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vegetable oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they emulsify into a smooth and aromatic dressing full of that perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and savory goodness.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour the dressing over the prepared salad base and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient gets a light, even coating. This step is crucial to marry the crisp textures with the flavors of the zesty dressing.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can serve this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe right away to enjoy that fresh crunch or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully for a slightly more tender bite. Either way, it’s delicious and refreshing.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle an extra pinch of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top just before serving to add a fresh visual pop and boost the nutty aroma. If you want an added burst of color, a handful of finely chopped fresh red chili or a few mandarin orange segments make excellent garnishes that complement the salad’s profile.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or light miso soup to balance the crunch with some comforting warmth. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled shrimp or tofu to keep that Asian-inspired theme flowing through your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, build individual servings in small bowls or clear cups to showcase the beautiful layers of colorful cabbage, chicken, and crunchy noodles topped with the dressing. You could also serve it over a bed of mixed greens or butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, leafy spin that doubles as edible scoops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within one to two days for maximum crunch and freshness. Keep in mind the chow mein noodles might soften over time, so it’s best to store them separately if possible.
Freezing
This particular salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and crunchy elements, which tend to lose texture and become soggy after thawing. For best results, make it fresh or enjoy leftovers within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheating this salad is not recommended, as it’s designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to add warmth, consider reheating the chicken separately and tossing it with fresh salad ingredients before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this recipe. It’s a great way to turn last night’s dinner into a fresh, vibrant meal with minimal effort.
Is there a good vegetarian alternative for the chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh for a tasty vegetarian option. Just be sure to press and sauté the tofu for best texture and flavor.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Simply swap out the chow mein noodles with gluten-free crunchy alternatives like toasted nuts or gluten-free crispy rice noodles. Also, choose gluten-free soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. The dressing can be whisked together and stored in the fridge for up to one week. This saves time and allows the flavors to deepen, making your salad prep even quicker.
What’s the best way to keep the salad crunchy?
To maintain maximum crunch, add the crispy almonds and chow mein noodles just before serving. Also, store the salad and dressing separately if you’re preparing ahead to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a fantastic blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation. It’s quick to throw together, refreshingly light yet filling, and perfect for any occasion when you want a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. Give it a try and watch how it quickly disappears from the table with smiles all around.
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-Inspired
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken, Napa and red cabbage, shredded carrots, toasted almonds, and crispy chow mein noodles, all tossed in a tangy Asian-inspired sesame dressing. This quick no-cook salad combines fresh vegetables and flavorful dressing to create a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, toasted sliced almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, sesame seeds, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix gently to evenly distribute all the salad components.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vegetable oil, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and the juice of half a lime. Season the dressing with salt and pepper, blending it thoroughly until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything carefully to ensure all the salad components are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its maximum crunchiness, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut to cooked shredded chicken.
- For added flavor and texture, consider adding mandarin orange slices or edamame to the salad.
- To toast almonds, lightly heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the noodles and vegetables.
