Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad delivers incredible crunch and freshness in every bite. The combination of shredded cabbage, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet dressing creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
It’s also highly versatile. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or keep it vegetarian. The ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
green cabbage, finely shredded
red cabbage, finely shredded
romaine lettuce, chopped
carrots, shredded
red bell pepper, thinly sliced
cucumber, thinly sliced
green onions, sliced
fresh cilantro, chopped
cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
toasted almonds or cashews
crispy wonton strips
For the dressing:
rice vinegar
soy sauce
sesame oil
olive oil
honey
Dijon mustard
fresh ginger, grated
garlic, minced
lime juice
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Add the shredded carrots, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
- If using chicken, add the shredded chicken to the bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Just before serving, sprinkle toasted almonds or cashews and crispy wonton strips over the top for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and texture.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked protein)
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes
Variations
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add edamame or baked tofu for protein.
If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes. You can also substitute peanut butter for part of the oil in the dressing to create a creamy peanut variation.
Mandarin orange segments or thinly sliced apples can add a touch of sweetness and contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Add the dressing and crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain texture. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all the vegetables and dressing in advance but combine them just before serving.
What protein works best in this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak are great options.
How do I keep the salad crunchy?
Store the dressing separately and add nuts and wonton strips right before serving.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and omit the wonton strips.
Can I use coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage?
Yes, pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a convenient substitute.
What type of cabbage works best?
Both green and red cabbage provide the best color and crunch combination.
Can I make the dressing creamy?
Yes, add a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini to the dressing for a creamy texture.
How long does the dressing last?
Stored in the refrigerator, the dressing can last up to one week.
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Yes, mandarin oranges, mango, or sliced apples pair well with the savory dressing.
What can I serve with Chinese Chop Salad?
It pairs nicely with grilled meats, spring rolls, or as a side to stir-fry dishes.
Conclusion
Chinese Chop Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables, bold dressing, and satisfying crunch. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy lunches, light dinners, or entertaining guests. With its balance of texture and flavor, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
PrintChinese Chop Salad
Chinese Chop Salad is a crisp, colorful dish loaded with crunchy vegetables, tender protein, and a bold sesame-ginger dressing. Fresh, vibrant, and full of texture, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
- 1/3 cup toasted almonds or cashews
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips
- For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and romaine lettuce.
- Add shredded carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
- If using, add shredded cooked chicken.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Just before serving, sprinkle toasted almonds or cashews and crispy wonton strips on top.
- Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Store dressing separately to maintain crunch.
- Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Add edamame or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Mandarin oranges or sliced apples add sweetness.
- Dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
