Chinese Chicken Salad

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
4. Why You'll Love This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
5. Recipe FAQ
6. Serving FAQ
7. Storage FAQ
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Make this fresh and crunchy Chinese chicken salad recipe for lunch or dinner tonight! It’s packed with cabbage, chicken, and crispy ramen. The tangy dressing comes together fast and adds the best sweet and savory kick. Every bite brings crunch, flavor, and a little bit of fun to your table.

This easy Chinese chicken salad recipe is easy to make and totally beginner-friendly—just follow the guide below. You’ll find step-by-step photos and directions to help you get it right every time. We also share pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

You can make this crunchy Asian chicken salad recipe in just twenty minutes from start to finish. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, crispy ramen, and the best homemade dressing.

Serve it for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck—it always disappears fast. The sweet and tangy crunch makes this easy salad a total crowd-pleaser.

What you'll need to make this Asian salad with chicken:

For the Dressing

• ½ cup of rice wine vinegar  
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon roasted garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• ½ cup of vegetable oil

For the Salad  

• ½ head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• ½ head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeds, and stem removed, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, sliced thinly
• 2 green onions, chopped (you can use the green parts only or the whites, too, for added onion flavor)
• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
• 1 cup crispy fried chow mein noodles
• 1 cup crispy fried wonton strips
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Make your Chinese chicken salad recipe your own with these easy swaps and tasty add-ins! Mix things up while keeping it quick and delicious. Here are some fun ways to change it up:

• Swap the Chicken: Try rotisserie chicken or grilled strips for fast prep and bold flavor in every bite.
• Add Edamame: Throw in shelled edamame for extra crunch and a fresh pop of green color.
• Switch the Slaw: Use broccoli slaw or coleslaw mix to save time and still keep that satisfying crunch.
• Add Mandarin Oranges: Toss in sweet mandarin slices for a juicy burst that pairs perfectly with the dressing.
• Change the Nuts: Use chopped peanuts or cashews for a fun twist on that crispy, nutty topping.

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions, helpful pictures, and smart tips and tricks to make the best Chinese chicken salad. You’ll get it right the first time and love how fast it comes together. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic paste, and ginger paste. Slowly drizzle the oil into the other salad dressing ingredients while whisking vigorously to emulsify the ingredients. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: In a large bowl toss together cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, green onions, cilantro, and chicken. 

THIRD STEP: Chill, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

FOURTH STEP: Just before serving, add chow mein noodles and wonton strips to the salad ingredients.

FIFTH STEP: Whisk sesame seeds into the dressing. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

You can serve Chinese chicken salads in so many fun ways all year long. They work great for parties, family meals, or weekday lunches.

• Serve at a summer barbecue: This crunchy salad stays fresh and travels well, so it’s perfect for cookouts or backyard gatherings. Pair it with fried corn on the cob and cashew chicken.
• Pack it for lunch or dinner: It makes a quick and filling meal you can pack in lunchboxes or prep ahead. Serve it with crab rangoon egg rolls and shrimp with ramen for a tasty combo.
• Bring it to potlucks or family parties: Everyone loves a crunchy, sweet, and tangy salad—kids even come back for seconds! Add beef skewers and chicken tenderloins for a crowd-pleasing spread.

This Chinese salad recipe keeps things simple, fresh, and totally doable for any home cook. It’s quick to prep, fun to serve, and works for every kind of mealtime—from busy weeknights to backyard hangouts.

• Crunchy and Fresh: The cabbage, ramen, and almonds give every bite an amazing crunch that keeps people coming back.
• Crowd Favorite: Everyone grabs a second helping—kids, adults, and even picky eaters dig in with no complaints.
• Great for Any Season: It’s light enough for summer, but still filling for lunch or dinner all year long.
• Quick Lunch or Dinner: It packs up easily, so you can bring it to work or serve it straight from the fridge.
• Customizable: You can swap ingredients or add extras without messing up the whole thing.

This Chinese chicken salad recipe keeps it real, and our readers love that it just works—every single time.

Do I need to cook the cabbage before adding it to the salad?
No, you don’t need to cook the cabbage. Use raw shredded cabbage to keep your Chinese chicken salad crunchy and fresh.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chinese chicken salad?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor with zero extra effort.

Should I toast the ramen noodles before mixing them in?
Yes, you should toast the ramen noodles. It gives your Chinese chicken salad the best crispy texture and nutty taste.

What kind of dressing goes on Chinese chicken salad?
You need a sweet and tangy sesame vinaigrette dressing for Chinese chicken salad. It ties the flavors together with every crunchy bite.

Can I prep the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead. Chop veggies, cook chicken, and store them separately until you’re ready to build the salad.

Does the dressing go on right away or at the end?
Wait to add the dressing until just before serving. That keeps your Chinese chicken salad crisp instead of soggy.

What’s the best way to shred the cabbage for this recipe?
Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to shred the cabbage thin for the best texture in Chinese chicken salad.

Can I make this Chinese chicken salad spicy?
Yes, you can make it spicy. Just add a splash of sriracha or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Do I need to chill the salad before serving?
No, you don’t need to chill it. But serving cold chicken salad makes it even more refreshing and crisp.

What’s the best way to serve chinese chicken salad at a party?
Serve it in a large bowl with tongs so guests can easily scoop crunchy servings onto their plates.

Can I serve chinese chicken salad in individual portions?
Yes, you can portion it into small cups or bowls. It’s a great grab-and-go option for parties or lunchboxes.

Should I serve chinese chicken salad cold or at room temperature?
Serve chinese chicken salad cold for the freshest taste and best crunch from the cabbage, ramen, and veggies.

Is chinese chicken salad good for potlucks or picnics?
Yes, it works great for potlucks and picnics. It travels well and stays crisp until you're ready to eat.

Is this salad a full meal or a side dish?
You can serve chinese chicken salad as a full meal or a side dish—it’s filling, flavorful, and super flexible.

Follow the tips, directions, and tricks below to keep your chinese chicken salad fresh and tasty after making it. Learn how to store leftovers the right way so you don’t lose that great crunch or flavor.

Can I prepare chinese chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep the chicken, veggies, and dressing separately. Wait to mix them until just before serving to keep everything crisp.

What’s the best way to store leftover chinese chicken salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within one to two days for the best taste and texture.

Can I freeze chinese chicken salad?
No, freezing doesn’t work well for this salad. The cabbage and ramen lose their crunch and turn soggy when thawed.

Can I store the dressing separately?
Yes, storing the sesame dressing in a jar keeps it fresh. Shake it well and pour it on when you're ready to eat.

Will the noodles stay crunchy after storing?
No, the ramen noodles soften after sitting in the dressing. Add extra toasted noodles later if you want more crunch.