Zippy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful Fun

Crisp, vibrant summer days call for a delightful Chinese chicken salad that bursts with flavor and freshness.

Layers of crunchy cabbage mix beautifully with tender, succulent chicken pieces.

Bright sesame dressing adds a zesty punch to every single bite.

Colorful vegetables dance alongside shredded meat, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Tangy mandarin oranges provide a surprising sweet contrast that makes this dish truly memorable.

Packed with protein and nutrients, you can whip up this simple yet impressive meal in mere minutes.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become your new warm-weather favorite.

Fun Variations For Chinese Chicken Salad Fans

• Vegan Chinese Salad: Replace chicken with crispy tofu, use tamari instead of soy sauce, add edamame for protein, swap honey with maple syrup.
• Seafood Fusion Salad: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, add cucumber slices, use wasabi in dressing for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Asian Crunch: Replace chow mein noodles with crushed pork rinds, use cauliflower instead of cabbage, add radish for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Asian Salad: Use gluten-free tamari, swap chow mein noodles with rice noodles, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Creative Ways To Serve Chinese Chicken Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this salad in a sealed container for a delightful outdoor lunch that stays crisp and fresh.
• Protein Power Lunch: Serve atop mixed greens or quinoa for a more substantial meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer: Transform into bite-sized lettuce wraps by spooning the salad into small butter lettuce leaves for an elegant starter.
• Crunch Corner: Sprinkle extra chow mein noodles and toasted almonds right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and texture.

Storage Ideas For Leftover Chicken Salad Meals

• Seal leftover Chinese Chicken Salad in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep crispy noodles and almonds separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Store salad base and dressing in different containers to maintain freshness and crunch. Mix just before serving to preserve the ingredients' original texture.
• Gently warm chicken at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent wilting vegetables and losing crisp texture.
• Sprinkle fresh toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles on top right before eating to restore the salad's original crispiness and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and contains nutrient-dense ingredients that provide vitamins and minerals.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Swap chicken with tofu or edamame for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the salad’s delicious Asian-inspired flavor profile.

• How long can the salad stay fresh?

The salad stays crisp and fresh for about 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the crunchy noodles might soften slightly.

• Is this salad gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce, chow mein noodles, and verify all ingredient labels to make it completely gluten-free.

Why You’ll Crave Chinese Chicken Salad Again

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this vibrant Chinese chicken salad in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a speedy, nutritious meal.
• Flavor-Packed Taste Sensation: Combine sweet, tangy, and savory notes with the dressing's perfect blend of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil that elevates every bite.
• Texture Wonderland: Enjoy a delightful mix of crunchy cabbage, crispy chow mein noodles, and toasted almonds that create an exciting mouth-feel with each forkful.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for potlucks, lunch boxes, or light dinners, this salad satisfies both health-conscious eaters and those craving bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients List For Fresh Chinese Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken provides the main protein source for the salad.

• Cabbage, Carrots, Green Onions: These crisp vegetables add crunch, color, and fresh flavor to the salad.

• Slivered Almonds, Chow Mein Noodles: These ingredients bring a delightful textural contrast and nutty crunch to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Honey: These components create a balanced and tangy flavor profile for the salad.
• Sesame Oil, Vegetable Oil: Oils provide smooth texture and help blend the dressing flavors.
• Ginger, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and a zesty kick to the dressing.
• Sesame Seeds: A final garnish that adds subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Easy Steps For Chinese Chicken Salad Preparation

Step 1: Shred and Chop Chicken and Vegetables

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Finely chopped cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted slivered almonds
• Crispy chow mein noodles

Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and look colorful and inviting.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil
• Freshly grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Sesame seeds

Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture.

Toss thoroughly to ensure every single morsel gets a delicious coating of the flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

• Serve the salad immediately for a crisp, fresh experience
• Refrigerate for half an hour to let the flavors mingle and intensify

Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Chinese Chicken Salad!

Pro Tips For Crisp Chinese Chicken Salad Bowls

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quick, tender meat that adds extra flavor to the salad.
• Toast almonds and chow mein noodles briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor and maintain maximum crispiness.
• If dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water or extra rice vinegar to thin it out smoothly.
• Swap soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free chow mein noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crisp textures.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the zesty notes of this classic Chinese chicken salad, blending crisp vegetables with tender shredded chicken and a tangy sesame dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, you’ll enjoy this refreshing dish that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)

Vegetables and Crunchy Toppings:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove (minced)

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Instructions

1. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Add finely chopped cabbage, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced green onions to the chicken.
3. Gently toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Incorporate toasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles into the salad mixture.
5. Create the dressing by vigorously whisking soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and vegetable oil in a separate container.
6. Grate fresh ginger and mince garlic, then blend into the liquid dressing mixture.
7. Sprinkle sesame seeds into the dressing and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
8. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently with two large spoons to coat all ingredients uniformly.
9. For enhanced flavor development, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
10. Serve chilled, garnishing with additional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quick assembly and added flavor depth.
• Swap chow mein noodles with toasted panko breadcrumbs or rice crackers for different texture variations.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure chow mein noodles are gluten-free certified to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Substitute chicken with tofu, shredded duck, or grilled shrimp for diverse protein alternatives that maintain the salad’s Asian-inspired profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg