This vibrant, Easy Chinese Chicken Salad recipe features shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables and Chow Mein noodles, tossed in a tangy Asian dressing. And, it's on the table in less than 10 minutes for those busy weeknight dinners!
If you love a good chicken salad, then this recipe, my foodie friends, is for you! This is my healthier version of the traditional Chinese Chicken salad, using colorful broccoli slaw as the base, instead of shredded cabbage.
This tasty chicken salad is so versatile! Try using up whatever crisp, colorful vegetables you have in your fridge. There are no rules!
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What ingredients are in the asian dressing?
[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]
This Asian dressing is beyond easy to prepare. You probably already have all of these ingredients in your pantry!
- low-sodium soy sauce
- rice vinegar
- grapeseed oil
- sesame oil
- honey
- ginger
- black pepper
This Asian dressing is incredible easy to make. Just add all of the ingredients into a small bowl, and whisk together until well-combined. That's it!
TOP TIP: This Asian salad dressing is also great as a marinade for just about any protein! Make extra so you can save for another amazing meal!
What ingredients are in the salad?
[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]
Here's what I used, but like I said, you can get creative with your own salad ingredients. Don't like carrots? Add red bell peppers. Don't like Chow Mein noodles? Add crunchy rice noodles. It's up to you!
- cooked chicken breast
- broccoli slaw
- shredded carrots
- scallions
- sliced water chestnuts
- fresh cilantro
- Chow Mein noodles
- sesame seeds
TOP TIP: Broccoli slaw does not wilt, so this Chinese chicken salad is perfect for eating the leftovers days later. I like to throw the leftovers on top of field greens or other lettuces.
Make it easy on yourself. Buy a prepared rotisserie chicken at the grocery store and shred up the chicken breasts. That's what I did! Doesn't get much easier than that!
Easy ingredients for minimal prep time
There is nothing easier than this salad when you buy already prepared items. Here's what I used:
- A cooked rotisserie chicken that I shredded.
- A package of shredded carrots.
- A package of broccoli slaw.
How to assemble the salad
- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour the dressing on top.
- Toss and serve! Isn't that easy?
How do you make this gluten free?
This recipe is easily adaptable to a gluten-free version. Instead of soy sauce, use coconut aminos or tamari. And, instead of regular Chow Mein noodles, use Gluten-Free Chow Mein Noodles, or deep-fry some vermicelli rice noodles (it's so easy!). Here's a link to learn how: Crispy Rice Noodles. You can also add in cooked rice noodles for a different twist!
Recipe notes
- This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken! I used a store-bought rotisserie chicken and used the leftover breasts.
- You can make the Asian dressing ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it defrost at room temperature before using.
- You can store this salad in the refrigerator for up to four days in an air-tight container. Broccoli has staying power so it should not wilt, even if coated with dressing.
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Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
This vibrant, Easy Chinese Chicken Salad recipe features shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables and Chow Mein noodles, tossed in a tangy Asian dressing. And, it's on the table in less than 10 minutes for those busy weeknight dinners!
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the salad:
- 12-ounce bag broccoli slaw
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
- 4 scallions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup dry Chow Mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
To make the dressing:
- Place all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together until well- combined.
- Set aside at room temperature.
To make the salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add all of the vegetables and water chestnuts.
- Add in the shredded chicken and toss well.
- Drizzle in the Asian dressing and toss thoroughly until well-combined.
- Top with the Chow Mein noodles and sprinkles of sesame seeds.
- Divide up into individual plates and serve with more dressing on the side.
Notes
- This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken! I used a store-bought rotisserie chicken and used the leftover breasts.
- You can make the Asian dressing ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it defrost at room temperature before using.
- You can store this salad in the refrigerator for up to four days in an air-tight container. Broccoli has staying power so it should not wilt, even if coated with dressing.
Watch a short video of this recipe here.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 9.4 g
- Sodium: 327.9 mg
- Fat: 10.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.4 g
- Protein: 22.3 g
- Cholesterol: 62.1 mg
Keywords: chinese chicken salad, chicken salad, easy recipe, salads
Kaley Dorfield
I made the Chinese chicken salad last night and it was a huge hit with the family! It took me no time to put this salad together using store-bought ingredients. Thanks for this great recipe! 👍
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
So glad you liked this salad, Kaley! It's a winner in my house too! And you can literally use any veggies you have on hand. Try the yummy dressing for marinating proteins!
Sherri Johnson
So crunchy so good! This chicken salad lasted for days! I love this healthier version too. No guilt! 😜
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
No guilt, exactly! The broccoli slaw is so good for you and holds up so well for days! So glad you liked this Chinese chicken salad, Sherri!🥰