If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Combining crunchy Napa and red cabbage, tender shredded chicken, and a zesty sesame-sweet dressing, this salad is a joyful celebration of textures and tastes. Whether you want a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad shines with every bite, effortlessly balancing health and indulgence in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential—the perfect blend of fresh vegetables, protein, nuts, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a role in creating that signature crunchy, tangy, and savory delight.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a satisfying bite to the salad.
- Napa cabbage: Offers a mild crunch and light, refreshing green base.
- Red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a sturdier crunch.
- Shredded carrots: Brings sweetness and chewy texture.
- Red bell pepper: Contributes a pop of bright color and subtle sweetness.
- Green onions: Infuse a mild, fresh pungency that lifts the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a herbaceous brightness that ties the salad together.
- Sliced almonds, toasted: Give a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer ingredients.
- Crispy wonton strips (optional): Add an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal.
- Soy sauce (or tamari): Delivers umami depth, balancing salty and savory notes.
- Rice vinegar: Adds the essential acidic brightness to the dressing.
- Sesame oil: Brings a rich, nutty aroma that’s key to authentic flavor.
- Honey (or maple syrup): Balances the acidity with a natural sweetness.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Provides a warm, zesty spice to the dressing.
- Garlic, minced: Introduces a bold punch of flavor.
- Sriracha or chili paste (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat for those who like it spicy.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing the Napa cabbage and red cabbage, which form the crunchy foundation of the salad. Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Toss these vibrant veggies together gently to mix well and showcase the beautiful color combination.
Step 2: Add the Protein and Crunch
Next, fold in the cooked, shredded chicken breast, toasted sliced almonds, and crispy wonton strips if you’re using them. These ingredients add satisfying texture and richness to every bite, turning this beautiful salad into a fulfilling meal.
Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Dressing
In a smaller bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha or chili paste if you want a spicy kick. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully blended. This dressing is where the magic happens, infusing the salad with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
Step 4: Toss to Combine
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf and shred of chicken. Make sure nothing is left dry because that dressing elevates the entire dish to restaurant-worthy levels.
Step 5: Serve or Let It Chill
You can serve this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe immediately for maximum crispness or refrigerate it for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully. Both ways taste fantastic, so it’s ready when you are.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For garnish, sprinkle a few extra toasted almonds and a handful of crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch. Adding some fresh cilantro leaves on top can also brighten the flavor and presentation dramatically.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or vegetable spring rolls, creating a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a bowl of hot miso soup or some light garlic noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell pepper halves. You can also make mini salad cups with crispy wonton wrappers for an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. Presentation can make this dish feel fresh and exciting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep the crispness intact. The salad mixture holds up well in the fridge for up to 2 days when kept apart from the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and crispy elements lose their texture and freshness once thawed. For the best taste, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want a warm meal, consider using the leftover chicken in a stir-fry or soup instead.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly because it’s already cooked and seasoned, saving you time while adding extra flavor.
Is there a vegan version of this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Yes! Swap the chicken for marinated tofu or chickpeas, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based twist that’s just as tasty.
How spicy is this salad with sriracha?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat level, but it’s completely optional. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or skip it altogether for a milder salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until right before serving to prevent the veggies from getting soggy and losing their crunch.
What kind of almonds are best for this recipe?
Use raw sliced almonds and toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor and add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a delightful mix of fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory chicken, and a flavorful dressing that never gets old. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your own kitchen. Trust me, this salad will have you coming back for more!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad features a crisp medley of Napa and red cabbage, shredded chicken, colorful bell peppers, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a flavorful sesame-soy dressing with a hint of ginger and garlic. Perfect as a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Add the protein and crunchy elements: Incorporate the cooked, shredded chicken breast into the vegetable mixture. Then, add toasted sliced almonds and crispy wonton strips if you are using them. Carefully toss everything together so that the salad is evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha or chili paste if using. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly but gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. Give the salad a quick toss before serving if chilled.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative to honey.
- To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the sriracha or chili paste.
- Crispy wonton strips add extra texture but can be omitted for a gluten-free or lighter option.
- Refrigerating the salad helps the flavors meld but may soften crispy elements, so add them freshly if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for toasting almonds and cooking chicken if needed)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
