Chinese Chicken Salad

Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 3 cups shredded napa cabbage; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper chopped; 1/2 cup shelled edamame; 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoon avocado oil; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

By:

Marry

Published:

March 19, 2026

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Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Nothing speaks freshness quite like a well-made Chinese Chicken Salad. This vibrant dish combines crisp romaine and napa cabbage with tender, shredded chicken and colorful veggies, making each bite a delightful crunch. Topped with toasted almonds and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This salad brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s all so simple to whip up that it quickly becomes a go-to for weeknight dinners or lunchtime escapes.

I remember the first time I tried a version of this salad at a local café, and I was instantly hooked. The combination of savory chicken, sweet vegetables, and a hint of sesame oil struck a chord with my taste buds. What makes this recipe truly special, though, is its versatility. You can customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it ideal for those of us who appreciate flexibility in our meals. Plus, it serves beautifully on a buffet table, or simply as a healthy lunch option on a busy day. I can’t wait for you to try this easy, delicious, and satisfying dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just an hour, including prep and cook time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a light, tangy dressing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The blend of colors from greens, reds, and yellows makes this salad not just tasty but beautiful on your plate.
Flexible Serving: Great as a main dish, side salad, or light refreshment for parties or gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with tamari or simply swapped out proteins for varied tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce: This leafy green adds a refreshing crunch and is a great base for salads. You can substitute with iceberg lettuce if you prefer.
3 cups shredded napa cabbage: Soft and slightly sweet, napa cabbage gives a unique texture. Green cabbage may also work but will be crunchier.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover grilled chicken. It’s a great way to use up extra protein.
1/2 cup shredded carrots: These add vibrant color and sweetness. Bagged shredded carrots save time, but fresh ones enhance flavor.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: This adds a pop of color and sweetness. Any bell pepper variety can be used based on personal preference.
1/2 cup shelled edamame: A protein-packed addition, edamame also brings a wonderful texture. Frozen works perfectly; just thaw before using.
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions: They lend a mild onion flavor and beautiful green hue. You can substitute with chives if needed.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances flavor but can be omitted or swapped with parsley if you’re not a fan.
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds: These provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to use other nuts like walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds: For a fragrant, nutty touch. Don’t skip these for extra flavor!
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the dressing. Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute if needed.
2 tablespoons honey: This naturally sweetens the dressing; adjust based on your taste preferences.
2 tablespoons avocado oil: A neutral oil that’s heart-healthy. You can swap it with canola oil for a different flavor.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: This brings a deep, rich flavor that’s essential to the dish; use sparingly.
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adjust for taste. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: It adds warmth and a subtle spice that elevates the dressing.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Use these to season the salad to your liking.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a jar with a lid or a bowl, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Shake or whisk until everything blends nicely. Refrigerate until you’re ready to dress the salad.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 3 cups shredded napa cabbage, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 cup shelled edamame, 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds.
Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture, a little at a time, gently tossing to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. It’s best to serve immediately after dressing to keep the veggies crisp.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 2-3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours. The texture may soften slightly, so if you plan to prepare it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving. Freezing is not recommended due to the crunchy texture of the ingredients; however, you can store the dressing in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your chicken is completely cooled before adding it to the salad; this helps maintain the crispness of the veggies.
If you’re making this dish ahead, keep the vinaigrette separate to avoid soggy leaves. Just toss it all together right before serving.
Taste and adjust the vinaigrette as you go; some prefer a more acidic flavor, while others like it sweeter.
Feel free to add other veggies or proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu to make this salad your own.

The refreshing crunch of vegetables, the tender chicken, and the flavorful dressing come together beautifully in this salad. As you prepare it, don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients that suit your taste—I encourage experimentation! Enjoy every flavorful bite, and don’t forget to share with friends or family; they will surely thank you for it.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Just keep the dressing and salad components in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, combine them for a fresh-tasting meal.

What if I don’t have chicken?

No problem! This salad is versatile—try using shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu for a vegetarian dish, or even grilled shrimp. The dressings work beautifully with any protein source.

How long does this salad keep?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, Chinese Chicken Salad will taste best if eaten within 2-3 days. If left too long, the veggies can become soggy, so it’s best to dress it right before serving.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home. Other vegetables like cucumbers or radishes can add refreshing crunch, and you can also substitute different nuts or proteins to fit your tastes.

Enjoy crafting the perfect balance of flavors in this delightful dish!