Easy Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe That Wows Every Time

A chopped Chinese chicken salad bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate, revamping an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables and tender protein create a harmonious blend of textures that tantalize taste buds.

Fresh ingredients come together in a symphony of crunch and zest, promising a delightful dining experience.

Delicate herbs and robust seasonings elevate this classic dish beyond simple salad expectations.

Light yet satisfying, the recipe balances nutrition and flavor with remarkable elegance.

Colorful components intermingle, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional lunch options.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through authentic Asian-inspired cuisine.

What You’ll Need for Chinese Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the main component of the salad, preferably shredded or diced from cooked meat.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty garnish that adds subtle crunch and visual appeal to the final dish.

• Napa Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp and fresh base vegetables that provide multiple textures and a light, refreshing foundation.
• Carrots: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that adds color and nutritional value to the salad.
• Scallions: Mild onion-like herb that brings a bright, fresh flavor and green color accent.
• Cilantro: Aromatic herb that introduces a zesty, herbal note to the overall dish.

• Canola Oil: Neutral cooking oil that helps blend and emulsify the dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid that provides a light, sweet acidic balance to the dressing.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory Chinese sauce that adds depth and richness to the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami liquid that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Ginger: Fresh, spicy root that brings a warm, zingy element to the dressing.
• Sesame Oil: Intensely aromatic oil that adds a distinctive toasted nutty flavor.
• Wonton Strips: Crispy fried noodle garnish that provides a satisfying crunch to the salad.

How to Put Together Chopped Chicken Salad Fast

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Dressing

• Canola oil
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Toasted sesame oil

Grab a small jar with a tight lid. Toss in all the ingredients and shake like you mean it until everything blends perfectly. Let the dressing sit and mingle its flavors while you prep the salad. Pro tip: This magical mixture keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Step 2: Combine Crisp and Colorful Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Green cabbage
• Napa cabbage
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced scallions
• Chopped cilantro

Dump everything into a large mixing bowl. Give that dressing another quick shake to wake up its flavors, then drizzle it over your ingredients. Toss everything together until each morsel is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Excitement

• Crispy fried wonton strips
• Toasted sesame seeds

These last-minute additions bring a spectacular crunch that transforms your salad from good to absolutely irresistible. The contrast between the soft chicken and crunchy toppings creates a party in your mouth!

Tips for Balanced Flavors in Your Chinese Salad

• Shake It Right: Vigorously mix the dressing in a sealed jar to ensure all ingredients combine perfectly and develop a harmonious flavor profile.
• Chill for Depth: Let the dressing sit at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before tossing with salad ingredients.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance to save time and make assembly quick and easy when you're ready to serve.
• Keep It Crisp: Add crunchy wonton strips and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent soggy disappointment.
• Customize with Confidence: Swap chicken for tofu, adjust vegetable quantities, or experiment with additional herbs to make the salad your own unique creation.

Store and Refresh Chinese Chicken Salad Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing and wonton strips separate to maintain crispness.
• Prevent Sogginess: Add crispy wonton strips and sesame seeds just before serving to preserve their crunch and prevent them from becoming soft.
• Revive Freshness: Drain any excess liquid before serving, and give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the vegetables' texture.

Best Pairings for Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the salad's zesty Asian-inspired flavors, cutting through the richness of the dressing and balancing the tangy notes.
• Match with Refreshing Green Tea: Select a cold-brewed sencha or jasmine green tea to enhance the salad's light and fresh profile, providing a clean palate cleanser that echoes the herbs and vegetables.
• Serve with Sparkling Water Twist: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with a hint of lime or lemon to add brightness, mirroring the salad's vibrant dressing and providing a hydrating accompaniment.
• Enjoy with Light Asian Beer: Pick a crisp lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cool down the meal and match the salad's Asian-inspired flavor profile, offering a subtle malt background that doesn't overpower the dish.

Creative Takes on Chopped Chicken Salad

• Spicy Kickback Chicken Salad: Replace hoisin sauce with sriracha and add red chili flakes for a fiery version that brings heat to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Garden Remix: Swap chicken with crispy tofu cubes and include additional colorful vegetables like bell peppers and edamame for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Fusion Salad: Substitute rice vinegar with lemon juice, add crumbled feta cheese, and include cucumber and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Protein Power Salad: Incorporate grilled shrimp or pulled pork instead of chicken, and add quinoa for extra protein and nutritional complexity.

Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad That Brings the Crunch

• Burst with Asian-Inspired Flavors: The combination of hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil creates a vibrant, authentic Chinese-style taste that dances on your palate with exciting and complex flavor profiles.
• Celebrate Texture Contrast: Crispy fried wonton strips and sesame seeds provide a satisfying crunch against the tender shredded chicken and soft cabbage, delivering an exciting mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: With a simple dressing that can be made in minutes and no complicated cooking techniques, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or last-minute lunch solutions.
• Nutritious and Versatile Meal: Packed with lean protein from chicken, loaded with fresh vegetables, and adaptable to different dietary preferences, this salad offers a balanced and wholesome meal that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.

Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Chinese chicken salad delivers a crisp, refreshing medley of flavors that dance across your palate. Crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Napa cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 2 cups red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup fried wonton strips
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the dressing in a sealed jar by vigorously whisking canola oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until thoroughly emulsified.
2. Allow the dressing to rest at room temperature, enabling the flavors to harmonize and develop depth while preparing the remaining salad components.
3. Select a spacious mixing vessel and layer shredded chicken as the foundational protein element.
4. Incorporate finely sliced green and purple cabbage varieties to create a robust and textural base for the salad.
5. Introduce julienned carrots to add vibrant color and crisp freshness to the mixture.
6. Gently fold sliced scallions and minced cilantro throughout the salad, distributing herbs evenly.
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled ingredients, carefully tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
8. Immediately before serving, scatter toasted sesame seeds across the salad’s surface for nutty undertones.
9. Crown the salad with crispy fried wonton strips, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and vegetables.
10. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Whip up this zesty salad when craving a burst of Asian-inspired flavors packed with fresh, crisp ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep, the dressing can be made days ahead, allowing busy home cooks to quickly assemble a restaurant-quality dish in minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg