I always look for meals that balance flavor, crunch, and freshness. After trying so many, one stood out around my table—the Chinese chicken salad recipe. I love how it blends tender chicken with crisp veggies and a zingy sesame dressing.
It’s not just light and refreshing; it’s deeply satisfying. I often make it when I want something quick but still packed with flavor. The textures keep every bite interesting, and it always feels restaurant-worthy.
I also enjoy customizing it based on what’s in my fridge. Whether I need a healthy lunch or a no-fuss dinner, this salad never lets me down. It’s colorful, easy to prep, and full of bold, balanced flavors that keep me coming back.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Chinese Chicken Salad recipe. It’s quick, fresh, and full of texture—exactly what I crave on busy days. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with crisp cabbage, crunchy veggies, and that addictive sesame-ginger dressing.
It tastes like something straight out of a fancy café, but I can whip it up in my own kitchen in under 30 minutes. I also love how versatile it is. Whether I’m using leftovers or starting from scratch, it always turns out delicious.
Plus, it’s light enough to keep me feeling energized but still filling enough to satisfy my hunger. It’s one of those go-to recipes I always trust when I want something healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.
How To Prepare Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
🕒 Quick Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course / Salad
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Yield: Serves 4
🛠️ Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for dressing
- Serving plates or bowls
🥗 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, boil or grill 2 chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vegetable oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Add the shredded chicken.
4. Toss with Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A side of steamed dumplings
- Miso soup or hot and sour soup
- Fresh spring rolls
- A cup of jasmine or green tea
💡 Tips and Variations
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Add Crunch: Include sliced almonds or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for heat.
- Use Different Greens: Substitute or add romaine lettuce or spinach for variety.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
🥦Health Benefits
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits I truly appreciate. The lean chicken gives me a solid source of protein, which helps keep me full and supports muscle health.
The colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers adds a big dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which keep my digestion happy and my immune system strong. I also get healthy fats from the sesame oil and seeds, which are great for heart health.
Since the dressing is homemade, I can control the sugar and sodium, making it a cleaner option than most takeout salads.
It’s light, nutrient-dense, and energizing—everything I want in a balanced meal. Eating well really can be this simple and delicious.
📝 Note
For the best flavor, allow the dressing to sit for at least 10 minutes before tossing with the salad. This lets the garlic and ginger infuse the liquids, enhancing the overall taste.
Storing Chinese Chicken Salad
When I make extra Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe, I always store it the right way to keep it fresh and crisp. I like to keep the salad and the dressing separate if I’m not eating it right away.
That way, the veggies don’t get soggy. I use an airtight container for the salad mix and a small jar or container with a lid for the dressing. Both go in the fridge and stay good for up to 3 days.
✅ Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe always hits the spot when I need something quick, fresh, and flavorful. I love how the crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty dressing come together so perfectly. It’s a simple dish, but it feels special every time I make it.
Whether I’m prepping lunch for the week or tossing together a light dinner, this salad never fails me. I enjoy switching up the ingredients now and then, but the core flavors stay bold and satisfying.
If you’re looking for a go-to salad that’s healthy, easy, and full of texture, this one’s for you. Give it a try—I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too, just like it did in mine.