Chinese Chicken Salad

If you’re searching for a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare, Chinese Chicken Salad checks every box. This vibrant dish combines tender shredded chicken, crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, nutty almonds, and crispy wonton strips, all tossed in a savory sesame dressing that delivers bold Asian-inspired flavor in every bite.

What makes Chinese Chicken Salad so beloved is its perfect balance of textures and tastes. You get crunch from cabbage and carrots, juiciness from marinated chicken, nuttiness from sesame seeds and almonds, and a slightly sweet, tangy kick from the dressing. It’s light yet filling, simple yet impressive, and healthy yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat.

Even better? This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, quick lunches, potlucks, or meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing healthy meals ahead of time, Chinese Chicken Salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know — from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, nutrition information, and expert tricks to make the very best Chinese Chicken Salad every single time.

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Why You’ll Love Chinese Chicken Salad

There are countless reasons why Chinese Chicken Salad has become a staple in kitchens and restaurants alike. It’s not just another salad — it’s a complete meal with bold personality and satisfying substance.

First, the flavor profile is unbeatable. The sesame dressing coats every bite with a savory, slightly sweet, slightly tangy taste that ties all the components together. It’s refreshing but rich enough to keep you full.

Second, the textures are irresistible. Each forkful gives you crisp lettuce, crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and crispy wonton strips. This variety keeps every bite exciting.

Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize your Chinese Chicken Salad with extra vegetables, fruits, proteins, or toppings depending on what you have available.

Fourth, it’s healthy and balanced. With lean protein, fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate carbs, this salad fits beautifully into most eating styles.

And finally, it’s quick. When you use rotisserie chicken, the prep time is minimal, meaning dinner can be ready faster than takeout.

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The History Behind Chinese Chicken Salad

Although the name suggests a traditional Chinese origin, Chinese Chicken Salad is actually more of a Chinese-American creation. It became popular in California during the mid-20th century, especially in Asian-fusion restaurants.

Chefs combined classic Chinese ingredients like sesame oil, cabbage, soy sauce, and almonds with Western salad traditions. The result was a refreshing, crunchy dish that quickly gained popularity nationwide.

Today, Chinese Chicken Salad has countless variations, but the core concept remains the same: tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sesame dressing.

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Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad (Serves 4)

Let’s break down the components that make this Chinese Chicken Salad so special.

Salad Base

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded

• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded

• 1 cup carrots, shredded

• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)

Crunch & Toppings

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

• 1 cup crispy wonton strips

Dressing

• 1 cup Asian-style sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Each ingredient contributes something unique. The romaine provides structure, iceberg adds crispness, cabbage delivers crunch, and carrots offer sweetness and color. Almonds and wontons supply irresistible texture, while the dressing ties everything together with bold flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Chinese Chicken Salad is wonderfully simple. Follow these steps for the best results.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Pour half of the dressing over the chicken and toss thoroughly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and ensures every bite tastes delicious.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Toss everything together gently.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Right before serving, pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again to coat evenly.

Step 4: Add Crunch

Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, almonds, and wonton strips.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve your Chinese Chicken Salad while everything is crisp and fresh.

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Homemade Sesame Dressing (Optional but Recommended)

While store-bought dressing works well, making your own elevates your Chinese Chicken Salad to restaurant quality.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1/4 cup neutral oil

Whisk everything together until smooth. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste.

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Helpful Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Salad

To make your Chinese Chicken Salad absolutely perfect, keep these tips in mind.

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor. Store dressing separately until serving to keep lettuce crisp. Slice vegetables thinly for better texture. Toast almonds lightly to enhance nuttiness. Toss gently to avoid bruising the greens. Always add wonton strips at the last minute to maintain crunch.

Small adjustments make a big difference.

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Delicious Variations

One of the best things about Chinese Chicken Salad is how customizable it is.

Add mandarin oranges for sweetness. Include bell peppers for color. Toss in snow peas for extra crunch. Try edamame for protein. Swap almonds for cashews or peanuts. Add chow mein noodles for even more texture. Use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie for a smoky flavor. Make it spicy with chili oil or sriracha.

You can create a different version every time.

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Meal Prep Ideas

Chinese Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep.

Store chicken, vegetables, dressing, and toppings separately. Assemble just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. Prepared this way, ingredients stay good for up to four days.

It’s a fantastic option for healthy lunches throughout the week.

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Health Benefits of Chinese Chicken Salad

This dish isn’t just tasty — it’s nutritious.

Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle health. Vegetables offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Sesame seeds and almonds provide healthy fats that keep you full longer. The balanced combination helps stabilize energy levels and reduce cravings.

Unlike heavy takeout meals, Chinese Chicken Salad leaves you feeling energized instead of sluggish.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 380–420
Protein: 28–32g
Carbohydrates: 20–25g
Fat: 22–25g
Fiber: 4–5g

These numbers make Chinese Chicken Salad a balanced meal suitable for many dietary goals.

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When to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad

This salad works for nearly every occasion. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and work lunches. It’s light enough for warm weather but satisfying enough year-round.

Because it looks colorful and fresh, it’s also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong. Avoid overdressing the salad, which causes sogginess. Don’t add crunchy toppings too early. Don’t skip seasoning the chicken. Avoid thick, heavy dressings that overpower flavors. Always serve immediately after tossing.

Following these tips guarantees a crisp, delicious Chinese Chicken Salad every time.

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Why This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it balances flavors and textures perfectly. The chicken is flavorful, the vegetables are crisp, and the dressing is bold yet harmonious. Every element complements the others, creating a salad that feels complete rather than lacking.

It’s proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chinese Chicken Salad with spring rolls, dumplings, miso soup, or jasmine tea. It also works beautifully as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Or simply enjoy a big bowl on its own — it’s satisfying enough to stand alone.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers with dressing separate. Salad stays fresh for 3–4 days. Keep toppings in a small container to maintain crunch.

Never freeze this salad, as the vegetables lose texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, just store components separately and assemble later.

Can I use another protein?

Absolutely. Try shrimp, tofu, or steak.

Is Chinese Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free wontons and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Replace chicken with tofu or edamame.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Chinese Chicken Salad is one of those rare recipes that truly does it all. It’s quick, healthy, flavorful, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, toasted nuts, and savory sesame dressing creates a harmony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Once you make this Chinese Chicken Salad, it’s likely to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.