Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 2 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 cup crispy wonton strips or noodles; 1/3 cup almonds or cashews; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

I love making Chinese chicken salad when I want something fresh, crunchy, and full of vibrant flavors. It’s a colorful dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how refreshing and satisfying this salad is at the same time. The mix of textures—from crunchy cabbage to juicy chicken—makes every bite interesting. I also like how versatile it is, since I can easily adjust the ingredients or dressing to suit my taste.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breast, shredded
green cabbage, shredded
red cabbage, shredded
carrots, julienned
green onions, sliced
cilantro, chopped
crispy wonton strips or noodles
almonds or cashews
sesame seeds

soy sauce
rice vinegar
sesame oil
honey or sugar
garlic, minced
ginger, grated

Directions

I start by preparing all the vegetables, shredding the cabbage and chicken, and slicing the carrots and green onions.

In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the dressing.

In a large bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything well to coat evenly.

Just before serving, I add crispy wonton strips, nuts, and sesame seeds for extra crunch.

I serve immediately so the salad stays fresh and crisp.

Servings and timing

I usually make this recipe for about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If I want a vegetarian version, I replace the chicken with tofu. I also like adding mandarin oranges for a sweet and citrusy twist.

storage/reheating

I store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I only add the crunchy toppings right before serving to keep them crisp.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I can prepare the ingredients in advance, but I mix everything together just before serving.

What type of cabbage works best?

I like using a mix of green and red cabbage for color and texture.

Can I use a different dressing?

I sometimes use a peanut dressing for a richer flavor.

Is this salad healthy?

I find it a balanced option with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Can I skip the nuts?

I can leave them out or replace them with seeds if needed.

Conclusion

I keep Chinese chicken salad as one of my favorite fresh meals because it’s crunchy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and I can always customize it based on what I have available.