Chinese Chicken Salad

There’s something undeniably magical about a big, colorful bowl of Chinese Chicken Salad. Growing up, this was one of those dishes that would appear at family gatherings, potlucks, or even just lazy Sunday lunches. It’s one of those timeless recipes that feels like a celebration in every bite — bright, crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Chinese Chicken Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a dish steeped in a blend of cultures. Though inspired by Asian flavors, it’s very much a Western invention, believed to have gained popularity in California in the 1960s and ’70s. It reflects a beautiful fusion of fresh, vibrant vegetables with savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

This salad is perfect for spring and summer when you’re craving something light yet hearty. The textures are truly the star here: juicy shredded chicken, crispy cabbage, crunchy almonds, tender mandarin oranges, and a punchy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish that immediately lifts your mood, whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or packed for a sunny picnic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor.
• Easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
• A great way to use up leftover chicken.
• Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!
• Light yet super satisfying, with lots of crunchy textures.
• Family-friendly and great for gatherings.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

HOW TO MAKE CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD:

The beauty of this salad is how simple it is to pull together, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy café.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prep Your Ingredients:
   Start by cooking and shredding your chicken if you haven’t already. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover baked or grilled chicken you have on hand — that’s what I usually do after Sunday meal prep. Chop up the cabbage, shred the carrots, and slice the green onions. Drain the mandarin oranges well so they don’t water down the salad.
2. Mix the Salad Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Toss them together with your hands or tongs to get everything evenly mixed. I love using my biggest salad bowl here because the more room, the better.
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a separate bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. Give it a good whisk or shake until it’s creamy and fully blended. The smell alone is enough to make you hungry.

1. Toss the Salad:
   Add the shredded chicken to the bowl of veggies. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Use tongs to gently but thoroughly toss everything together, making sure all the goodies are coated in that luscious dressing.
2. Add Crunch and Sweetness:
   Right before serving, sprinkle the salad with sliced almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, and those sweet little mandarin oranges. Toss lightly again just to mix them in without crushing the oranges.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
   Dish up big hearty portions and enjoy immediately, or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer it super cold and crisp!

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Prep Ahead: Chop the veggies and make the dressing up to a day in advance to make assembly super quick.
• Keep it Crunchy: Add the chow mein noodles and almonds just before serving so they stay nice and crisp.
• Customize It: Feel free to toss in extra goodies like edamame, snap peas, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce and chow mein noodles)

NOTES:

• Always taste the dressing before tossing it into the salad. Everyone’s palate is a little different — you might want a touch more honey for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tang.
• Double the dressing if you love extra saucy salads — it’s that good!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 390
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 11g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This salad is also amazing with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

How long does Chinese Chicken Salad last in the fridge?
If you store the salad without the chow mein noodles and almonds mixed in, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Add the crunchy toppings just before eating for the best texture.

Can I make this salad dressing healthier?
You can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt if you like, though the flavor will be a bit tangier. Adjust honey to taste if needed.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the crunchy toppings separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crispiness. The salad will taste great for about 2–3 days.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other fresh and flavorful dishes:

• Spicy Ginger Chicken
• Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Roll-Ups
• Chinese Lemon Chicken

CONCLUSION

Chinese Chicken Salad is one of those dishes that’s not just a recipe but a whole vibe — fresh, crunchy, a little sweet, a little savory, and just downright irresistible. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet festive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re packing it up for a sunny picnic, making a batch for meal prep, or just craving something colorful and delicious, this salad always hits the spot. So grab your biggest bowl, toss up this beauty, and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!

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