There is something truly irresistible about a well-made Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe that brings a delightful combination of crunchy textures, vibrant colors, and a harmony of bold, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors all in one bowl. This salad is not just any ordinary salad; it’s a satisfying meal that feels light yet nourishing, perfect for those days when you crave something refreshing but still filling. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a show-stopping side for dinner, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe will quickly become a beloved go-to, thanks to its bright ingredients and an exciting, zesty dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe thrives on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the mix. From leafy crunchy cabbages to colorful bell peppers and the nutty bite of toasted almonds, every element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: Choose moist chicken for tender bites that soak up the dressing wonderfully.
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced: Adds crispness and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s a salad staple.
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced: Brings color and a firmer crunch to contrast the Napa cabbage.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers natural sweetness and a vibrant orange pop.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds juicy crunch and fresh brightness.
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced: Infuses a gentle oniony zing that livens up the mix.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Delivers fresh, herbaceous notes for extra flavor depth.
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Toasting enhances the nuttiness and provides satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional): For that irresistible, light crunch that elevates texture.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): A savory, umami-packed base for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a deep, toasty flavor that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan): Balances acidity and spice with a subtle touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a little zing to the dressing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Gives a punch of savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional): For a gentle heat kick that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing together the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and toasted almonds in a large bowl. This colorful mixture creates a wonderful base full of textures and flavors that promise an exciting salad experience.
Step 2: Add Crispy Wonton Strips
If you decide to include wonton strips, sprinkle them on top now to preserve their crunch. These delicate strips add a playful texture contrast that takes the salad from great to unforgettable.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if you like a little heat. This dressing is what ties everything together with its blend of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Toss gently but thoroughly until every bit of the salad is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe immediately, inviting your friends or family to enjoy the delightful crunch and the burst of flavors together. It’s a dish that brings joy with every bite.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad with extra toasted almonds or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added nutty aroma. Fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top brighten the look and add subtle herbal freshness that compliments the salad perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired sides such as steamed jasmine rice or edamame beans. For a heartier meal, adding a bowl of hot miso soup creates an inviting contrast between warm and cold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the salad in individual small bowls or crunchy lettuce cups, which provide a charming and casual presentation. You could also layer it in a clear glass bowl to showcase all the vibrant colors, turning this dish into a centerpiece that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving again; this keeps the veggies crisp and fresh.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and dressing, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh. However, you can freeze cooked shredded chicken separately to help speed up meal prep next time!
Reheating
If you have leftover chicken, reheat it gently in the microwave or a skillet before mixing it back with freshly prepared veggies and dressing. Avoid reheating the entire salad as that risks wilting the crisp ingredients and losing the salad’s signature texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey. Make sure to choose gluten-free tamari for the dressing if needed, and skip the wonton strips or find a vegan alternative.
What can I use instead of Napa cabbage?
If Napa cabbage is unavailable, green cabbage works well as a substitute. It has a similar crunchy texture though it is slightly denser and less sweet, which still complements this salad nicely.
Is it okay to prepare the salad dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead; just whisk it again before using. Storing it separately until serving ensures the freshest and most vibrant flavors for your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding snap peas, cucumber, or even shredded daikon radish to introduce new textures and subtle flavors that complement the classic ingredients.
How spicy is this salad with sriracha?
The sriracha adds a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your liking. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, or omit it altogether for a mild but flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a wonderfully vibrant and delicious dish that’s quick to make and endlessly satisfying. Its bright colors, bold flavors, and inviting textures come together in a way that feels both fresh and comforting, perfect for any occasion. I truly encourage you to give this salad a try—you might just find a new favorite that becomes a staple on your table!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting almonds if needed, shredding chicken if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken, Napa and red cabbage, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal with an Asian-inspired twist.
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
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken breast with Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and toasted sliced almonds. Toss gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add Wonton Strips: If using crispy wonton strips, sprinkle them over the top of the salad to add extra crunch and texture.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate 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 you prefer some heat. Make sure the dressing is well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss thoroughly to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh and enjoy its crisp textures and balanced flavors. This salad is best enjoyed immediately for optimal freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the chicken breast with a plant-based protein and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- To make the salad gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit crispy wonton strips or use a gluten-free alternative.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili paste based on your preferred spice level.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.
