Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe (with Video)

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe: Looking for a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s both refreshing and filling? Chinese Chicken Salad is your answer!

This salad is a perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a savory-sweet dressing that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s light, yet satisfying—ideal for a healthy lunch, dinner, or even a potluck favorite.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create your masterpiece:

For the Chicken Salad

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups shredded napa or green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
• ¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 cup crispy noodles or wonton strips

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

These ingredients strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures that define this salad.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Salad mixing bowl
• Whisk or small blender (for the dressing)
• Frying pan (for toasting toppings)
• Tongs for tossing the salad

Optional but helpful tools include a julienne peeler and salad spinner.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

The chicken is the star of this dish, so getting it just right is crucial.

1. Choose Your Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Grill it: Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil, then grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
   • Bake it: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), season the chicken, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
   • Boil it: Simmer the chicken in a pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Shred or Slice: Let the chicken cool, then either shred it with two forks or slice it thinly.

Step 2: Preparing the Salad Vegetables

The veggies add that signature crunch and freshness to the salad.

• Cabbage: Use a mix of napa or green cabbage and red cabbage for color contrast. Thinly slice both varieties.
• Carrots: Peel and julienne or grate the carrots for easy incorporation.
• Green Onions: Slice these on a bias (diagonal cut) to release their flavor and aroma.

Pro tip: Use a salad spinner to ensure your veggies are dry. Wet greens can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.

Step 3: Making the Dressing

This dressing ties everything together with its sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using).
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if needed.
3. If you prefer a creamier consistency, blend the dressing for a smoother texture.

The dressing should be well-balanced and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Toasting the Toppings

Toasting your almonds and sesame seeds elevates their flavor and adds a rich, nutty aroma to the salad.

1. Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced almonds and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
3. Repeat with sesame seeds. Be careful—they can burn quickly!

Set these aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 5: Cooking Crunchy Noodles

Many Chinese Chicken Salads include crispy noodles or wonton strips for extra texture.

1. Option 1: Buy pre-packaged crunchy noodles or fried wonton strips.
2. Option 2: Make your own by frying thin egg noodles or wonton wrappers in hot oil until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Crunchy toppings are a game-changer—don’t skip this step!

Combining All Ingredients

Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Here’s how you do it step-by-step:

1. Start with the Base: Place the shredded napa or green cabbage and red cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Veggies: Add the julienned carrots and sliced green onions to the bowl.
3. Add the Chicken: Top the veggies with your shredded or sliced chicken.
4. Toss in the Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad. If you’re using crispy noodles or wonton strips, add them now.
5. Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the dressing evenly over the entire salad.

This layering helps ensure that every bite is a perfect mix of textures and flavors.

Tossing the Salad

Properly tossing the salad is crucial to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. Here’s the best way to do it:

1. Use Tongs or Salad Forks: Gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing. Start from the bottom of the bowl and lift the ingredients upward in a folding motion.
2. Taste and Adjust: Once the salad is well-coated, taste a bite. Add more dressing, a pinch of salt, or extra toppings if needed.
3. Avoid Over-Tossing: Be careful not to over-toss, especially with crispy noodles, as they may lose their crunch.

This step ensures all ingredients are flavorful without becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Main Course: Serve the salad with a warm soup or a light appetizer like spring rolls.
• Side Dish: Pair it with stir-fried rice, dumplings, or a protein like grilled salmon or tofu.
• Garnishes: Add extra toasted sesame seeds or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch.

Arrange the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a visually appealing presentation.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Make this recipe your own by tweaking ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or beef strips. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas or edamame work great.
2. Greens: Use baby spinach, kale, or mixed salad greens if you prefer.
3. Dressing Variations: Experiment with peanut butter in the dressing for a creamy, nutty twist.
4. Allergy-Friendly Adjustments: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce if you’re gluten-free. Use sunflower seeds instead of almonds for a nut-free version.

These options allow you to create a salad tailored to your preferences.

Health Benefits of Chinese Chicken Salad

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients!

• Lean Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The cabbage and carrots provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support your immune system.
• Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and almonds contribute heart-healthy fats that can improve cholesterol levels.
• Low-Calorie Option: This salad is naturally low in calories while still being filling, making it a great option for weight management.

By eating this salad, you’re fueling your body with wholesome, balanced nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like Chinese Chicken Salad can go wrong without the right technique. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, tough chicken can ruin the texture. Be sure to cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink inside and juicy.
2. Soggy Salad: Moisture from unwashed vegetables or over-tossing the salad can make it soggy. Always dry your veggies thoroughly and add crispy elements just before serving.
3. Imbalanced Dressing: Too much soy sauce can make the dressing too salty, while too much sesame oil can overpower the flavor. Taste and adjust the dressing before pouring it on.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure your salad turns out perfect every time.

Storage and Leftovers

Made too much salad? No worries—you can store and enjoy it later by following these tips:

1. Separate Components: If possible, store the chicken, vegetables, dressing, and toppings separately. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
2. Refrigeration: Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar.
3. Refreshing the Salad: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and add fresh toppings, like extra crispy noodles, to restore the crunch.

These storage tips help maintain the salad’s taste and texture.

FAQs about Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

What is Chinese Chicken Salad?

Chinese Chicken Salad is a popular dish that blends crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and often nuts or seeds, all tossed with a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. It’s known for its vibrant texture and refreshing taste, making it a favorite among salad enthusiasts.

What ingredients are typically used in Chinese Chicken Salad?

A traditional Chinese Chicken Salad includes shredded chicken, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. It’s often garnished with mandarin oranges, cilantro, sesame seeds, and almonds. The dressing usually features soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey or sugar.

How do I cook the chicken for the salad?

For the best flavor and texture, you can either grill, boil, or poach the chicken. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor, while poaching keeps it moist and tender. After cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.

What can I substitute for nuts in the recipe due to allergies?

For those with nut allergies, you can substitute seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles can also provide an appealing texture without nuts.

Is Chinese Chicken Salad healthy?

Chinese Chicken Salad can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients and dressing used. Opt for lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, and a dressing with minimal added sugars and healthy oils to make it a nutritious part of your meal plan.

Conclusion

Congratulations—you’ve now mastered the art of making Chinese Chicken Salad! From prepping the chicken and veggies to crafting a flavorful dressing, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. It’s a perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and freshness that’s easy to customize and packed with health benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start making your delicious salad today!