If you are craving something fresh, crunchy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken with crisp Napa and red cabbages, sweet bell peppers, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, this salad brings a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It’s colorful, healthy, and perfect for any season, whether as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish for dinner. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe becomes a fast favorite in homes everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe plays an essential role, from the crunchy vegetables adding crispness and color to the dressing bringing a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad truly irresistible.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites and a hearty base for the salad.
- Napa cabbage: Adds a light, crisp crunch and mild flavor that complements other veggies beautifully.
- Red cabbage: Brings vibrant color and a slightly peppery bite for contrast.
- Shredded carrots: Sweetness and bright orange hue add freshness and visual appeal.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a juicy crunch and natural sweetness to brighten the salad.
- Green onions: Offer a gentle onion bite that enhances the overall freshness.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides herbal brightness and authentic Asian flavor nuances.
- Sliced almonds, toasted: Give a nutty crunch and added texture complexity.
- Crispy wonton strips (optional): For an extra touch of crunch and a playful finish.
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Delivers savory umami depth for the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy zing balancing the richness of the dressing.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a toasted, nutty aroma that defines the salad’s character.
- Honey (or maple syrup for vegan): Sweetness to mellow the tart and salty flavors.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Gives a fragrant and slightly spicy kick.
- Garlic, minced: Adds pungent depth enhancing complexity.
- Sriracha or chili paste (optional): A touch of heat for those who love a little fire in their salad.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing Napa cabbage and red cabbage, then shred the carrots and slice the red bell pepper and green onions. Toss all these vibrant veggies together with chopped fresh cilantro in a large bowl. This creates a colorful and crunchy foundation that really sings in every bite.
Step 2: Add the Protein and Crunch
Mix in the cooked, shredded chicken breast along with toasted sliced almonds and optional crispy wonton strips. These ingredients add satisfying texture and substance that transform the salad into a filling meal without losing its refreshing feel.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional sriracha or chili paste. This perfectly balanced dressing combines tangy, sweet, savory, and spicy notes which make the salad so addictive.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every colorful piece is coated with that luscious flavor. This step brings everything together in harmony.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
The salad is ready right away for a crisp, crunchy experience, but letting it chill for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator deepens the flavors and softens the cabbage just a little. Both ways are fantastic depending on your preference.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe with some extra toasted almonds or fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation and an added layer of aroma and crunch that makes every forkful special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or even crispy spring rolls for a well-rounded Asian-inspired meal. It also complements grilled meats or seafood if you’re serving a more elaborate dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual clear bowls or crunchy lettuce cups for a more playful presentation. For gatherings, you can lay the salad on a platter and scatter garnishes artistically on top — it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the salad and dressing separately if possible, to maintain crunchiness in the cabbage and wonton strips.
Freezing
Due to the fresh vegetables and dressing, this salad doesn’t freeze well. To enjoy it fresh and crisp, it’s best to prepare only what you plan to eat within a couple of days.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. The crisp textures and fresh flavors really shine when served chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with crispy baked tofu or tempeh, use maple syrup instead of honey, and skip the wonton strips or substitute with a vegan crunchy topping. The dressing is easily adaptable to suit vegan needs.
What type of cabbage is best for this salad?
Napa and red cabbage offer the perfect combo of texture and flavor. Napa cabbage is tender and mild, while red cabbage adds vibrant color and a slightly peppery kick. Using both creates a beautiful contrast.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken from the store?
Yes! Using pre-cooked, shredded chicken saves time and works wonderfully in this recipe, especially when you need a quick and delicious meal without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. The dressing can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Give it a good whisk before tossing with your salad for the best flavor experience.
What can I substitute for wonton strips if I want to avoid fried ingredients?
You can use toasted or raw sliced almonds alone, crispy baked chickpeas, or even crunchy rice crackers broken into pieces. These alternatives add texture without deep frying.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and enjoy. It’s colorful, full of fresh ingredients, and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — it might just become your favorite way to enjoy a vibrant, healthy salad packed with wonderful Asian-inspired flavors.
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad combining crunchy Napa and red cabbage, shredded chicken, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is packed with colorful vegetables and flavorful toppings like toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips.
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, red bell pepper, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently to mix all the vegetables evenly.
- Add Protein and Crunch: Add the cooked, shredded chicken breast along with the toasted sliced almonds and optional crispy wonton strips to the vegetable mixture. Stir carefully to distribute ingredients without breaking the chicken.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and optional sriracha or chili paste until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld and deepen. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and omit crispy wonton strips or use gluten-free options.
- To make the dressing vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- To add more protein, consider adding boiled eggs or edamame beans.
- To enhance crunch, lightly toast the almonds before adding.
- You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
