Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe – Fresh, Crunchy & Flavor-Packed
There’s something about a Chinese Chicken Salad that feels both refreshing and filling at the same time. It’s crisp, colorful, and has that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Honestly, I think it’s one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up but easy to make your own.
In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe, give you some useful tips, share storage advice, and even go over the nutrition breakdown so you know exactly what you’re enjoying. Plus, we’ll talk about how to serve it, what tools make it easier, and answer a few common questions people usually have. Let’s get into it.
Time & Servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need. Simple ingredients, but together they make magic.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts (grilled or poached) | 2 medium |
| Romaine lettuce, chopped | 4 cups |
| Red cabbage, shredded | 2 cups |
| Carrots, julienned | 1 cup |
| Green onions, sliced | 4 |
| Cilantro leaves | ½ cup |
| Sliced almonds (toasted) | ½ cup |
| Crispy wonton strips | 1 cup |
| Mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh) | 1 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tsp |
For the Dressing:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rice vinegar | 3 tbsp |
| Soy sauce (low sodium) | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the chicken. Grill or poach your chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let them cool slightly before slicing into thin strips.
- Prep the veggies. Chop lettuce, shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the green onions. It’s a little chopping work, but worth it.
- Mix the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and black pepper. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to your taste.
- Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, and chicken strips. Toss gently.
- Top it off. Add mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips. Drizzle the dressing over and toss lightly just before serving.
Recipe Notes
- You can swap grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the oil and increase vinegar.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip the wonton strips.
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but dressing can be made in advance and kept chilled.
Storage Tips
- Without dressing: Store the salad base in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- With dressing: Once tossed, it’s best eaten immediately. Leftovers may last for about 12–18 hours, but the veggies lose their crunch.
- Dressing: Keep separately in a jar for up to 5 days in the fridge. Shake before using.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Extra Tips to Make It Perfect
- Toast the almonds for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Chill the dressing for 15 minutes before tossing—it brings out the freshness.
- Slice the chicken thinly so every bite feels balanced.
- Add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes if you like a kick.
How to Serve
This salad makes a great main course for lunch or dinner. You can serve it:
- With warm soup on the side.
- Alongside dumplings or spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired spread.
- In meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Large salad bowl
- Whisk & mixing bowl (for dressing)
- Tongs for tossing
- Measuring cups/spoons
Health Benefits
This Chinese Chicken Salad isn’t just tasty—it’s actually quite wholesome. Lean chicken gives you a protein boost, veggies add fiber and vitamins, and the sesame dressing brings healthy fats. It’s lighter than creamy salads yet still satisfying, making it a smart choice for those who want something nutritious without feeling deprived.
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FAQs
1. Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. That way, the veggies stay crisp.
2. What type of chicken works best?
Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor, while poached chicken is juicier. Both are great.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap chicken with tofu or edamame for plant-based protein.
4. How do I make the salad more filling?
Add cooked quinoa, rice noodles, or even a handful of cashews.
5. Is the dressing healthy?
Compared to creamy dressings, this one is lighter and has heart-healthy oils. You can cut back on honey if you want less sugar.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken Salad is one of those dishes that feels casual yet special. It’s bright, crunchy, and full of flavors that keep you coming back for more. I find it’s a good balance between healthy and satisfying, which isn’t always easy to find in one bowl. Try it once, and you’ll probably start craving it often. And the best part? You can play around with the ingredients to make it just right for you. Maybe add extra oranges, or go heavy on the cabbage—there’s no strict rule here. It’s food that feels fun and flexible, just the way cooking should be.
