Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

This Chinese Chicken Salad is light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. I toss tender shredded chicken with crisp cabbage, carrots, green onions, and crunchy almonds. The tangy sesame-soy dressing pulls it all together with just the right balance of sweet and savory. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a refreshing lunch any day. You can even top it with crispy wontons or noodles for extra texture. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and seriously satisfying!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course / Salad

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium saucepan
Whisk or fork
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl for dressing
Serving plates or bowls

Method

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.

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.

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.

Toss with Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated.

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.

Notes

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.