Chinese Chicken Salad

A Fresh and Flavorful Salad You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a salad that’s light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, Chinese Chicken Salad is the perfect choice! This dish is a beautiful mix of shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing that ties everything together.

Whether you want a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a refreshing meal on a warm day, this salad is sure to satisfy.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of textures and flavors. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy cabbage, and toasted almonds creates a delicious bite every time. The dressing—made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil—adds a sweet, savory, and slightly nutty taste that makes this salad stand out. Plus, it’s super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. You can prepare it ahead of time for meal prep, serve it at a gathering, or even enjoy it as a light yet satisfying dinner. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually really simple to put together. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food, this salad is a winner!

About Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing dish that combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables, crunchy toppings, and a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. Unlike traditional leafy green salads, this one is heartier, thanks to ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and sometimes crispy wonton strips or ramen noodles.

What sets it apart from other chicken salads is its bold, zesty flavors. While classic chicken salads often use creamy dressings, this one features a light and tangy sesame dressing that adds a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty notes. It’s a fusion of fresh ingredients and delicious seasonings that make every bite exciting!

Why You’ll Love It

1. Crispy, Crunchy, and Satisfying – The mix of cabbage, carrots, almonds, and sesame seeds gives this salad a fantastic crunch in every bite!
2. Packed with Flavor – The sesame dressing is a game-changer, blending soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar for a deliciously tangy taste.
3. Super Easy to Make – Just toss everything together, and you’re done! It’s perfect for busy days when you need a quick meal.
4. Healthy and Nourishing – Loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad keeps you full and energized without feeling heavy.
5. Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. The flavors get even better over time!

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 4 cups shredded Napa or green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional for a little heat)

Ingredient Notes

• Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver! If you’re in a rush, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it for this salad. It makes prep super easy!
• Cabbage choice matters! I love using a mix of Napa and purple cabbage for extra crunch and color, but you can use whatever type you have on hand.
• Toasting almonds brings out their flavor. Just pop them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re golden and fragrant.
• Customize the dressing! If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. Want more tang? Add extra vinegar or lime juice. Make it your own!
• Crispy wonton strips add a fun crunch. You can buy them pre-made or fry up some sliced wonton wrappers in a little oil. They make the salad feel extra special!

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Cutting board and sharp knife – For chopping cabbage, carrots, and green onions. A sharp knife makes prep much easier!
2. Mixing bowls – You’ll need one large bowl for tossing the salad and a smaller one for whisking the dressing.
3. Whisk or fork – To mix the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
4. Measuring cups and spoons – For getting the perfect balance of flavors in the dressing.
5. Tongs or salad servers – For tossing the salad and making sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Skillet (optional) – If you’re toasting almonds or sesame seeds, a dry skillet will bring out their flavor.

I love using an OXO Salad Spinner to rinse and dry cabbage quickly before using it. It helps keep everything crisp and fresh! Also, a microplane grater is great for getting finely grated ginger without the hassle.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients (10 minutes)

• Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin for a lighter option.
• Thinly slice the green and purple cabbage, shred the carrots, and chop the green onions. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer makes this much faster!
• Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Pro Tip: Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra crunch to the salad!

Step 2: Make the Dressing (5 minutes)

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, olive oil, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using).
• Whisk until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be slightly thick but pourable.

Pro Tip: If the dressing separates, just give it another whisk before using. The oils and vinegar will naturally settle over time.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad (5 minutes)

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and toasted almonds.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips (if using) on top for extra crunch.

I like to let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld together beautifully!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you like a slightly marinated flavor.
• Pair it with a bowl of soup or some steamed rice for a more filling meal.

Pro Tip: Leftovers stay fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container, but if you’re meal prepping, store the dressing separately to keep the veggies crisp.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chop everything evenly. The secret to a perfect salad is making sure all the veggies are cut into similar sizes. It makes every bite balanced and delicious!
• Don’t skip the toasting! Toasting almonds and sesame seeds adds an amazing depth of flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes. This allows the dressing to soak into the ingredients, enhancing the flavors even more.
• Customize the crunch. If you love extra crunch, add more crispy wonton strips or even crushed ramen noodles for a fun twist!
• Double the dressing. If you love extra dressing like I do, make a double batch and store it in the fridge for drizzling on other salads or even grilled chicken!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Options: Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use grilled, baked, or poached chicken. Shredded turkey also works well!
• Vegan/Vegetarian Swap: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
• Nut-Free Version: Skip the almonds and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a safe alternative.
• Dressing Variations: Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option, or add a little peanut butter for a creamier dressing.
• Extra Add-Ins: Try adding mandarin orange slices for sweetness, avocado for creaminess, or bell peppers for more crunch!

Serving Suggestions

• As a Light Meal – Enjoy this salad on its own for a fresh, satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein and veggies, so it keeps you full!
• With a Side of Soup – Pair it with a bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup for a comforting meal. The warm soup balances the crisp, cool salad beautifully.
• In a Wrap – Wrap the salad in a large tortilla or lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld option—great for lunch on the go!
• Over Rice or Noodles – Serve it over jasmine rice or chilled rice noodles to turn it into a heartier dish. Drizzle extra dressing for even more flavor!
• As a Party Dish – This salad is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and BBQs. Just double the recipe and serve it in a big bowl for everyone to enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.
• Keeping It Fresh: If you plan to meal prep, store the shredded chicken, veggies, and dressing in separate containers. This keeps everything crisp and fresh!
• Reheating (if needed): This salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer warm chicken, reheat it separately in the microwave for about 30 seconds before adding it to the salad.
• Refreshing Leftovers: If the salad looks a little dry the next day, add a small splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of extra dressing to bring it back to life!

I love making a big batch of this salad and enjoying it over a couple of days. It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to blend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the dressing separately and toss it in when you’re ready to eat. This keeps the veggies crisp and fresh.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart, or for a quick hack, toss cooked chicken into a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low—it shreds in seconds!

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Try shrimp, shredded turkey, or even crispy tofu for a delicious variation.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Make sure to store the dressing separately if you’re meal-prepping. Also, using firmer veggies like cabbage instead of lettuce helps keep everything crunchy!

What can I use instead of wonton strips?

Crushed ramen noodles, toasted peanuts, or extra almonds make great substitutes if you want that crunchy texture without wonton strips.

Is this salad gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, then yes! Double-check any crispy toppings to make sure they’re gluten-free as well.

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I’d love to hear how this Chinese Chicken Salad turns out for you! Did you add any fun twists? Let me know in the comments—I’m always excited to see your creations!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!