Quick & Flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Chinese chicken salad bursts with vibrant colors and tantalizing textures that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables mingle with succulent chicken, creating a symphony of taste that goes beyond ordinary salads.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of savory and zesty notes that awaken your senses.

The harmonious combination of ingredients reimagines a simple dish into a culinary adventure.

Delicate layers of flavor intertwine, offering a refreshing twist on traditional salad preparations.

Bold yet balanced, this salad represents a delightful crossroads of nutrition and excitement.

Your appetite will thank you for this delectable journey.

Best Pairings for Chinese Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: A chilled German Riesling's subtle sweetness and bright acidity perfectly complement the salad's tangy dressing and fresh vegetable crunch.
• Serve with Jasmine Green Tea: The light, floral notes of jasmine green tea balance the salad's savory flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the chicken and dressing.
• Match with Crunchy Cucumber Side: A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil enhances the Chinese-inspired dish, adding extra texture and cooling elements to the meal.
• Choose Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: This wine's zesty, herbaceous character highlights the cilantro and scallions while cutting through the salad's richness with its crisp, clean finish.

Creative Twists on Chinese Chicken Salad

• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a fiery flavor. Increase heat levels based on personal spice tolerance.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or edamame for a plant-based protein alternative. Press and cube tofu for extra texture.
• Crunchy Green Upgrade: Incorporate additional fresh vegetables like sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crispness and nutrition. Mix in some chopped mint for a bright, fresh note.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip chow mein noodles and use crushed almonds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Swap cabbage for cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the salad's signature Asian-inspired profile.

Chinese Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Crisp Meal

• Quickly Craft a Flavor Explosion: This Chinese chicken salad delivers a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty dressing that dances across your taste buds with every bite.
• Meal Prep Magic: Whip up this protein-packed salad in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays, lunch prep, or quick post-workout refueling with minimal cooking required.
• Texture Wonderland: Crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and crunchy chow mein noodles create a delightful textural experience that keeps each mouthful exciting and satisfying from first to last bite.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the salad.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor and extra protein boost.

• Cabbage: Crisp base that provides crunch and freshness.
• Carrots: Adds sweet flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
• Scallions: Provides sharp, mild onion flavor and green color.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal notes to the overall dish.

• Chow Mein Noodles: Gives a crunchy texture and additional flavor.
• Dressing Ingredients (unspecified): Creates a smooth, flavorful coating for the salad.

How to Make the Best Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Ginger
• Garlic

Step 2: Prep the Salad Base

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Chopped green cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced scallions
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Give the dressing another quick shake to remix the ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a beautiful coating of the tangy dressing.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle the salad with crispy chow mein noodles and a generous scattering of sesame seeds. These toppings add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to your Chinese chicken salad.

Tips for Perfect Chinese Chicken Salad

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most tender and uniform texture.
• Crisp Cabbage Technique: Slice cabbage thinly and soak in ice water for 10 minutes to ensure maximum crunchiness and freshness.
• Maximize Dressing Flavor: Let the dressing sit for 15 minutes before adding to the salad to allow ingredients to meld and intensify.
• Noodle Crunch Hack: Toast chow mein noodles in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their golden color and add extra crispiness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

Storing and Reheating Chinese Chicken Salad

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Chinese Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the crispy chow mein noodles separate to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Separation Strategy: If possible, store the dressing and salad components separately. This helps maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables and prevents wilting.
• Reheating Tip: Best enjoyed cold, this salad is typically served chilled. If you want to warm the chicken, gently heat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, being careful not to overcook and dry out the meat. Add fresh noodles and a quick drizzle of dressing before serving to restore the salad's original zesty flavor and texture.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Chinese Chicken Salad brings together crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing for a refreshing culinary journey. Crunchy cabbage, mandarin oranges, and roasted peanuts create a delightful harmony you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 pound (454 g) Napa cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 2 cups (473 ml) red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (237 ml) fried wonton strips

Garnish and Herbs:

• ¼ cup (59 ml) fresh cilantro, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola oil
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) rice vinegar
• ¼ cup (59 ml) hoisin sauce
• 1½ tablespoons (22 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) toasted sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small glass jar until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended.
2. Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, ensuring uniform texture and easy eating.
3. Thinly slice napa cabbage and green cabbage to create a crisp, varied base for the salad.
4. Julienne carrots into delicate, matchstick-sized strips to add vibrant color and crunchy texture.
5. Finely chop scallions and fresh cilantro leaves, distributing them evenly throughout the salad mixture.
6. Gently toss chicken, cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
7. Vigorously shake the dressing jar to re-emulsify the ingredients, then drizzle over the salad.
8. Using salad tongs, carefully coat all ingredients with the dressing, ensuring even distribution.
9. Sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles and toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
10. Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s fresh texture and vibrant appearance.

Notes

• Shake dressing ingredients in a jar to create a vibrant, tangy coating that adds zesty flavor to the entire salad.
• Toss fresh, crunchy vegetables with tender chicken for a balanced mix of textures and colors.
• Sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles and nutty sesame seeds on top for an irresistible crunch that elevates the dish.
• Keep leftover salad refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and taste.
• Customize by swapping rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu to suit different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg