Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp vegetables with tender shredded chicken and a tangy sesame dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side at dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups chopped lettuce
• 2 cups shredded Napa or cabbage slaw
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• ⅓ cup chopped green onion
• 5 cooked chicken thighs, shredded
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 3 tsp. soy sauce
• 2 and ½ tsp. sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup crunchy noodles (optional)
• ½ cup peanuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine and toss the chopped lettuce, shredded Napa or cabbage slaw, shredded carrot, and chopped green onion. Add the shredded cooked chicken thighs and toss again to evenly distribute all ingredients.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad topped with crunchy noodles and peanuts if desired, adding a delightful crunch.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken if you want to save time.
• Add sliced almonds or cashews instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
• For an extra fresh touch, include sliced cucumber or bell peppers.
• If avoiding sugar, substitute with honey or omit it for a less sweet dressing.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the crunchy noodles and peanuts separate until ready to serve to maintain their texture. Re-toss with fresh dressing if the salad looks a bit dry when serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken thighs?

This recipe requires cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding to the salad to ensure safety and proper texture.

Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, but combine them just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the crunchy toppings from getting soggy.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 90 reviews

This vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad combines fresh chopped lettuce, shredded Napa cabbage, and carrots with tender shredded chicken thighs, all tossed in a flavorful dressing made from rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Garnished with crunchy noodles and peanuts for added texture, this salad offers a deliciously balanced mix of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 3 cups chopped lettuce
• 2 cups shredded Napa or cabbage slaw
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• ⅓ cup chopped green onion
• 5 cooked chicken thighs, shredded

Dressing

• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 3 tsp. soy sauce
• 2 and ½ tsp. sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger

Garnish (optional)

• 1 cup crunchy noodles
• ½ cup peanuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, shredded Napa cabbage or slaw, shredded carrot, and chopped green onion. Add the shredded cooked chicken thighs, then toss everything together to mix evenly throughout the salad.
2. Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then toss thoroughly to ensure every bite has a balanced flavor.
4. Add garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle crunchy noodles and peanuts on top for added texture and flavor just before serving. Serve immediately to maintain crispness.

Notes

• Use cooked chicken thighs for added juiciness and flavor; rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
• Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your sweetness preference.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free and omit crunchy noodles or replace with a gluten-free alternative.
• Fresh grated ginger enhances the dressing’s brightness, but ground ginger can be substituted in a pinch.
• This salad is best served fresh to keep the vegetables crisp and crunchy noodles from becoming soggy.

Keywords: Chinese chicken salad, Asian salad, healthy chicken salad, sesame dressing, crunchy chicken salad