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A large bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, red cabbage, carrots, and sesame ginger dressing

Chinese Chicken Salad

A fresh and crunchy Chinese chicken salad made with shredded chicken, crispy cabbage, and a bold homemade sesame-ginger dressing. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 553

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar unseasoned preferred
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil do not substitute with regular sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 cups napa cabbage shredded; or green cabbage or romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups red cabbage shredded
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots julienne-cut or shredded
  • 2/3 cup sliced almonds or dry roasted peanuts or cashews
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl or liquid measuring cup
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Make the dressing: Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, honey, minced ginger, and garlic to a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup. Whisk until fully combined and the honey is dissolved. Taste and adjust if needed. Set aside.
  2. Build the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded chicken, sliced bell pepper, carrots, almonds, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
  3. Dress and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing as you go, until every ingredient is lightly coated. Start with half the dressing and add more to taste. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Notes

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Undressed salad keeps for up to 3 days. Dressing keeps for up to 1 week. Re-whisk the dressing before using as the oil will separate. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.