If you are searching for a vibrant and irresistibly tasty salad to brighten your meal routine, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines crisp Chinese cabbage, fresh carrots, and tender shredded chicken with a tangy, savory dressing that dances on your palate. The crunchy noodles and toasted sesame seeds add that perfect finishing touch, giving every bite a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. It’s simple to make, packed with color, and a wonderful way to enjoy light but satisfying flavors that scream freshness and excitement in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward, fresh ingredients are the building blocks of this delicious Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe. Each component brings its own character—whether it’s the crisp, colorful veggies or the punchy dressing that ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Light soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the dressing that balances the acidity beautifully.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens the salad without overpowering it.
- Sesame oil: Toasted for that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor, which is the heart of the dressing.
- Grapeseed oil: A neutral oil that keeps the dressing smooth without competing with other flavors.
- Sugar: Just a touch to mellow out the acidity and add subtle sweetness.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a zesty kick that livens up every bite.
- Garlic: Minced finely to infuse the dressing with savory warmth.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Chinese (Nappa) cabbage: Finely shredded for crispness and a mild, fresh crunch.
- Red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and an earthy, firm texture.
- Carrot: Julienned for sweet, crunchy notes and a splash of bright orange.
- Chicken: Tender, shredded, providing satisfying protein and savoriness.
- Shallots or scallions: Thinly sliced for a gentle onion flavor and freshness.
- Crunchy noodles: These unexpectedly addictive pieces bring exciting texture and a fun twist.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for that subtle crunch and toasty finish.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grapeseed oil, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper in a jar. Secure the lid tightly and give it a vigorous shake until everything is perfectly blended. Letting this rest for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to marry beautifully, giving your dressing that complex, layered taste that lifts the entire salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the finely shredded Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrot, shredded chicken, and thinly sliced shallots. Add about half of the crunchy noodles now—this distributes the fun texture throughout rather than just on top. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, then gently toss everything until each ingredient is lightly coated and evenly dressed but still crisp.
Step 3: Plate and Garnish
Divide the dressed salad into serving bowls or plates. Top with the remaining crunchy noodles and generously sprinkle with sesame seeds. This final touch adds not only more delightful crunch but also a nutty flavor, making the salad simply irresistible. Be sure to serve immediately so it stays crisp and fresh!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, consider adding a few fresh herbs like cilantro or mint as a garnish. A wedge of lime on the side can also add a zesty burst of acidity if desired. These small additions make the salad feel special and customized to your taste.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic centerpiece for a light lunch or dinner, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or light dumplings. For a low-carb option, serving alongside grilled vegetables or clear soups can make for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups or edible bowls made from iceberg or butter lettuce. Alternatively, layering it in a clear jar or trifle dish creates a visually stunning effect, perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, the best way to store this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is to keep the dressing separate from the salad components. Store the salad and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crunch for up to two days.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the fresh vegetables and crunchy noodles will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, it doesn’t require reheating. However, if your shredded chicken has been cooked fresh and cooled, warming it separately before mixing can enhance the salad’s comforting aspect without compromising crispness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully because it’s already cooked, flavorful, and easy to shred, saving you time while keeping the salad delicious.
What if I can’t find crunchy noodles?
If crunchy noodles are unavailable, you can substitute them with crushed chow mein noodles, fried wonton strips, or even toasted nuts like sliced almonds or cashews for a similar crunchy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for protein. The dressing and crunch remain just as delicious with these alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both nourishing and exciting every single time you make it. It’s vibrant, fresh, and loaded with texture that’s anything but boring. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or something to impress friends, this salad checks all the boxes and keeps you coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its perfect balance of flavors and crunch!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, napa and red cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing. Tossed with crispy crunchy noodles and toasted sesame seeds, it’s a refreshing and quick salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar (rice wine vinegar or cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola or any neutral flavored oil)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage), finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrot, finely julienned
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup shallots/scallions, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 1/2 to 1 cup crunchy noodles (e.g., Chang’s crunchy noodles)
- 1 – 2 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grapeseed oil, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well and set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, mix the finely shredded Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, shredded chicken, and sliced scallions. Add half of the crunchy noodles to the mixture.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, then toss gently to combine all components evenly without crushing the crunchy noodles.
- Serve: Divide the salad into serving bowls, topping each with the remaining crunchy noodles and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures.
Notes
- Use light soy sauce for a milder, less salty taste.
- Finely shredding the cabbage ensures good texture and flavor distribution.
- Crunchy noodles add desirable texture; add according to your preference to maintain crispness.
- Serving immediately is key to keep the crunchy noodles from getting soggy.
