Chinese Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese Chicken Salad is an explosion of flavors and textures that will keep your taste buds excited. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of crisp vegetables, while the crispy noodles and toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. The sesame-ginger dressing ties everything together with its sweet and tangy kick. Best of all, this salad comes together in minutes, making it the perfect quick meal or potluck dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)

• 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped

• 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and toasted almonds. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Dijon mustard, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes (if using) until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed — you can add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or soy sauce for saltiness.

3. Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all of the ingredients evenly.

4. Add the Crunch: If you’re using crispy chow mein noodles, sprinkle them over the salad just before serving to keep them crunchy.

5. Serve: Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional cilantro or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 15 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes (if cooking chicken)

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add other crunchy vegetables like cucumber, snap peas, or radishes for extra freshness.

• Use different proteins: If you don’t have chicken, you can use shredded rotisserie turkey, tofu, or even shrimp for a different take on the salad.

• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your chow mein noodles are gluten-free, or skip them altogether.

• Spicy version: If you like heat, add more chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the dressing.

• Add fruit: For a sweet touch, you can add mandarin orange slices or pineapple chunks to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chinese Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, store the dressing and crispy noodles separately, and add them just before serving.

• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not need to be reheated.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for saving time and adding flavor to this salad. Simply shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the salad and dressing ahead of time. However, keep the crispy noodles and dressing separate if you plan on storing leftovers to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

What other nuts can I use?

While toasted almonds add a nice crunch, you can use other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or pecans if you prefer.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make this salad vegan, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, and use a plant-based sweetener (like maple syrup) and a vegan dressing base.

Can I use other greens instead of Napa cabbage?

You can substitute Napa cabbage with other leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, or even spinach, though Napa cabbage gives this salad its signature flavor and crunch.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To give the salad a spicy kick, add more chili flakes to the dressing or drizzle some sriracha or chili oil over the top just before serving.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, add the crispy noodles just before serving, and store the dressing separately if you’re prepping the salad in advance.

Can I use bottled dressing?

While homemade dressing is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled Asian sesame dressing if you’re in a hurry.

What can I serve with Chinese Chicken Salad?

This salad pairs well with steamed rice, egg rolls, or a side of miso soup for a complete meal.

Can I freeze this salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables can wilt when frozen. However, you can freeze leftover cooked chicken if you’d like to prepare the protein in advance.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Salad is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with crunchy vegetables, savory chicken, and a delicious sesame-ginger dressing, it’s a satisfying and nutritious salad that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.