Zesty Asian Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh Take on Classic

Summer heat calls for a zesty Chinese chicken salad that delivers crisp, refreshing flavors with every bite.

This vibrant dish combines tender shredded chicken with a symphony of crunchy vegetables and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.

Colorful cabbage and carrots create a beautiful base for the protein-packed salad.

Toasted sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips add an irresistible texture that makes each forkful exciting.

The bright, bold dressing brings together classic Chinese culinary notes with a modern, light approach.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, this salad works as a quick lunch or stunning side dish for summer gatherings.

Let’s find out this delicious recipe and transform your mealtime with a burst of fresh, exciting flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Freshly

• Crunchy Textural Delight: Sprinkle extra chow mein noodles on top for an added crispy crunch that gives each bite a satisfying snap and elevates the salad's texture.
• Asian-Inspired Side Pairing: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or quick vegetable spring rolls to create a complete meal that balances the fresh, zesty salad flavors.
• Temperature Contrast Technique: Grill the chicken while slightly warm to add depth and let it cool before mixing into the salad, creating a delightful temperature variation that makes the dish more interesting.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or shredded rotisserie chicken for quick protein alternatives that maintain the salad's delicious Asian-inspired profile.

Storage Methods to Keep Chinese Chicken Salad Crisp

• Smart Meal Prep Plan: Cook extra chicken and chop vegetables ahead of time to quickly assemble this salad during busy weekdays, storing components separately in sealed containers for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep dressing and salad ingredients separate until serving to maintain crisp textures, preventing soggy noodles and wilted vegetables. Mix just before eating for maximum freshness.
• Batch Cooking Trick: Double the recipe and create individual lunch portions in mason jars, layering ingredients strategically with dressing at bottom and crispy toppings like chow mein noodles added last minute for perfect crunch.
• Temperature Tip: Serve chilled or at cool room temperature for best flavor profile, allowing ingredients to mingle without losing their vibrant character. Drain any excess liquid before final tossing to ensure salad remains light and refreshing.

Inside the Ingredients of Chinese Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, juicy protein that forms the hearty foundation of the salad, best when freshly cooked and cooled.

• Napa Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crunchy, light vegetables that provide a refreshing base with contrasting textures and mild peppery notes.
• Carrots: Sweet, vibrant root vegetable adding color and crisp texture to the salad.
• Scallions: Zesty green onions that deliver a sharp, fresh bite and aromatic flavor.
• Cilantro: Bright, citrusy herb that brings a fresh, clean taste and fragrant complexity.

• Canola Oil, Rice Vinegar: Smooth, light base for creating a balanced, tangy dressing.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory Chinese condiment that adds rich, deep flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich seasoning that enhances overall saltiness and depth.
• Ginger: Spicy, warming root that provides a zingy, aromatic kick.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, intense oil that adds authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Wonton Strips: Crispy, golden garnish that provides delightful crunch and textural contrast.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted, nutty seeds that sprinkle additional texture and subtle flavor.

Tools That Simplify Chinese Chicken Salad Assembly

• Jar with lid: Perfect for mixing and storing dressing smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining salad ingredients and tossing.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion dressing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping scallions, cilantro, and shredding chicken.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Whisk or fork: Optional for mixing dressing if no jar is available.

Tossing Together Chinese Chicken Salad the Right Way

• Flavor Blast

Create a zesty dressing by blending rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a jar. Shake vigorously until the mixture transforms into a silky, aromatic sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Veggie Fusion

Shred tender chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with crisp, colorful cabbage and carrot ribbons. Sprinkle in fresh scallions and bright cilantro for an explosion of garden-fresh flavors and textures.

• Salad Symphony

Pour the tangy dressing over the chicken and veggie mix, gently tossing until every morsel is coated with the irresistible Asian-inspired flavor profile. Watch as the ingredients mingle and create a harmonious culinary experience.

• Crunch Factor

Finish with a playful sprinkle of crunchy chow mein noodles and a delicate shower of toasted sesame seeds. These final touches add an exciting textural contrast that’ll elevate your salad from simple to spectacular.

Tricks to Customize Your Chinese Chicken Salad Bowl

• Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to save time and add instant flavor to this dish.
• Toast almonds or sunflower seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to add an extra crispy texture that elevates the entire salad.
• Drizzle some sriracha or chili oil over the top for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a more exciting meal.
• Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables up to a day in advance. Keep ingredients separate and mix just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy salad.

Zesty Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Refreshing Chinese chicken salad blends crisp vegetables with tender shredded chicken in a tangy sesame dressing. Crunchy cabbage, carrots, and almonds provide delightful texture that will make you crave this classic Asian-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (946 ml) shredded or diced chicken
• 1 pound (454 g) napa cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 2 cups (473 ml) red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots
• 1 cup (237 ml) fried wonton strips
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (59 ml) cilantro, minced
• 2 tbsps sesame seeds
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) canola oil
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) rice vinegar
• ¼ cup (59 ml) hoisin sauce
• 1½ tbsps (22 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger, grated
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) toasted sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a glass jar, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Chicken Preparation: Deconstruct cooked chicken into bite-sized shreds using two forks, creating a consistent and easily consumable texture.
3. Vegetable Breakdown: Slice napa cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro into thin, precise cuts to establish a multi-textured salad foundation.
4. Salad Assembly: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently merge chicken, cabbage varieties, carrots, scallions, and cilantro, ensuring comprehensive ingredient integration.
5. Dressing Application: Vigorously shake dressing jar to re-emulsify, then cascade over salad mixture, using tongs to guarantee uniform coating of all components.
6. Finishing Touch: Crown the salad with crispy chow mein noodles and toasted sesame seeds, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty essence to the dish.
7. Serving: Present immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant visual appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Dressing Consistency: Whisk ingredients in a glass jar for smoother blending and emulsification, preventing separation.
• Master Chicken Shredding: Use two forks to create uniform, tender pieces that absorb dressing evenly and enhance eating experience.
• Prep Vegetables Precisely: Slice cabbage thinly and julienne carrots to maintain crisp texture and maximize flavor absorption.
• Enhance Serving Technique: Add crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles and sesame seeds just before serving to preserve their crispness and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg