Ditch the deli counter and whip up a homemade recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing. This flavor-packed salad is a vibrant medley of crisp veggies, tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet Mandarin oranges, all tossed in a savory-sweet homemade sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner or potluck gathering, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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That big bowl of flavor and crunch up there is my dinner at least once a week. Fast, fresh and figure-friendly, my mom’s recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad has become my go-to alternative to all things DoorDash, Uber Eats and GrubHub.
This colorful mix features a plethora of tastes and textures, from shredded purple cabbage and tender chicken to crunchy almonds, crisp cucumber batons, and yes, those classic Mandarin oranges. All that goodness is tossed in a homemade sesame dressing that’s sweet, tangy and a touch sour.
This Chinese chicken salad is ideal for meal prep and lunches on-the-go. Simply layer the ingredients into mason jars and stash the dressing in an airtight container. When you’re ready to dig in, pour the dressing into the jar, seal it, shake it and get your salad on!
If you’re looking for more ways to ditch the delivery and still satisfy those takeout cravings, don’t miss recipes for Baked Orange Chicken, Chicken Egg Rolls with Ginger-Soy Dip, and Sticky Pineapple Chicken.
FOR THE SALAD:
- Shredded cooked chicken: I buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the meat (discarding the skin). It’s fast, fresh and just enough meat for 4 to 6 servings.
- Romaine lettuce: To shred romaine lettuce, wash and remove the core, then stack the leaves, roll them tightly and slice thinly to create thin strips. Fluff the shreds to separate them, and your lettuce is ready to use in your salad!
- Purple cabbage: Adds a vibrant pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
- Scallions: For a mild onion flavor.
- Cucumber: I’m a big fan of English cucumbers, sometimes called seedless cucumbers, because they have a tender skin and fewer seeds. You can usually spot them in the produce section wrapped in plastic. Regular ol’ cucumbers work great, too!
- Almonds: Sliced or slivered. When I have time, I like to toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant for added flavor and crunch.
- Crispy chow mein noodles: Look for them in the international aisle of your grocery store or in the Asian foods section. Pro Tip: Add the chow mein noodles to the salad just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Mandarin oranges: I prefer the canned or fruit cup varieties packed in juice, rather than syrup, or fresh if they’re in season.
FOR THE DRESSING:
- Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds a tangy-sweet flavor to the dressing. If seasoned rice wine vinegar isn’t available, you can use plain rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
- Oil: I prefer to use a neutral-flavored vegetable oil but a light olive oil works well, too.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the overall flavor of the dressing. You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste, adding more for a sweeter dressing or less for a more tangy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Making this Asian salad could not be easier! Once you’ve prepped all of your ingredients, there’s just two simple steps:
- Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients and then pour over the salad, tossing to coat.
That’s it!
Although hearty enough to be served on its own, Chinese chicken salad pairs well with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Crispy Baked Spring Rolls
- Chicken Potstickers
- Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons
- Beef Lo Mein
- … and don’t forget the Homemade Fortune Cookies!
Common Questions
Yes, this is a great salad for meal prepping. Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them, along with the crispy chow mein noodles, just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute shredded cooked turkey (I do this with leftover Thanksgiving turkey), pork, tofu or your favorite protein for the chicken.
The sesame dressing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad with Sesame Dressing
- Chilled Ramen Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Thai Beef Salad with Lime Dressing
- Thai Chicken Pasta Salad
- Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (See Kelly’s Notes)
- 3 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced into batons
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1 cup Mandarin oranges
For the dressing:
- 3 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, tossing until well mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients and then pour over the salad, tossing to coat.
Kelly’s Notes
- I buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the meat (discarding the skin). It’s fast, fresh and just enough meat for 4 to 6 servings.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
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I absolutely love this salad!! I use this recipe and make 4 salads in a jar that last me most of the work week. Thanks so much!
So thrilled you’re enjoying the recipe, Moira!
What would the nutrition value be in just the dressing
Hi Miya! Unfortunately we can only estimate the nutrition and I don’t have the breakdown for only the dressing.
I made it first with baked salmon and added a few thinly-sliced carrots as well. It’s a beautiful salad to look at. I am searching for a better rice wine vinegar, as there are some poor imitations that are not very nutritious. The next day, with chicken, I crisped-up the skin and added it on as a quick sub for the chow-mien noodles. A few sesame seeds on top looks pretty good too. Thanks for this recipe, it’s really crunchy and interesting! Perhaps you can recommend a rice wine vinegar? Thank again, really enjoyed it and added it to my go-salads.
So glad you enjoyed it! I usually use one made by Marukan or Kikkoman.
Loved this. Also made a spinach wrap out of it and added peanut dressing. Could eat this several times a week.
Love that idea, Melanie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I made the dressing with more sesame oil, no salt or pepper and no salad oil. It came out just like what I have had in restaurants with just the sesame oil, a bit of sugar and the rice vinegar. I also like the grilled chicken strips that are sold at Costco, not rotisserie chicken.
Thanks for your feedback, Julie.
love everything about this dish..it’s fast …easy and delish
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Peter!
Excellent! We’ve made it 4 times and it’s easy enough for my teenagers to prepare before I get home from work!!!!!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled your family has been enjoying the recipe, Kristina!
Good recipe for bought cooked chicken except years ago for dressing we used a little soya sauce instead of salt and coated shredded chicken and let sit. Fry Mai Fun rice sticks and strips of won ton skins instead of bought noodles and add cilantro to lettuce. Otherwise almost the same as 50 years ago learned from Asian neighbors in PTA
Delicious!!! I live in Japan, so I always have to sub certain things. I used regular cabbage and leaf lettuce since that’s what I had access to, and added a shredded carrot. Also added sesame seeds and peanuts to the top. So so good. My kids gobbled it up. I call that a win! Thank you!
That’s a win in my book! I’m so thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe, Mary Jo!
Hi Kelly! I just discovered your blog/site and there are SO many yummy looking recipes. I am definitely going to try this one soon.
I do have one question thought – I am only one person, so do you know what the portions would be then? Its always hard to determine how to make a recipe properly when its for 6 servings.
It would be much, much appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Vanessa! Welcome to Just a Taste! You can adjust the ingredient measurements by hovering your cursor over the SERVINGS above and sliding the bar right or left.
Made a slightly different version of this tonight. Used a mixture of spiral and thin egg noodles. Par boiled carrots broccoli red cabbage, capsicum ( el dente), Chopped grilled bacon and added shallot sliced fine, cooked pasta and veg, Chicken poached in chicken stock, all tossed in dressing as per recipe. Family very impressed, came back for seconds.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Robyn!
Baaaabay! This. Was. On. Point! Refreshing, delightful and perfect for my low carb venture. Added prawns instead of chicken. Family LOVED!
YES! So thrilled you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Kim!
This is the BEST Salad and the recipe is requested by everyone I make it for! BUT, this is a different version – the one I’ve always used didn’t have soy sauce in the dressing (or mandarin oranges).
Can you confirm that the dressing for the older version is the same ingredient and ratio just minus the soy sauce? From memory, that’s what I recall but want to be sure before I make it tonight. Thank you for an AWESOME SALAD recipe!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Tanya! I just updated it to reflect the original :) And you are correct. Exact same proportions, just minus the soy sauce. Mandarin oranges are optional!
Hi Kelly,
Mandarins aren’t in season here at the moment – what can I substitute? Thanks!
Hi Olga – Clementines would work!
They also come in small cans and small fruit cups – like jello or pudding cups. They are sweeter and I prefer them in this recipe.
Mmhmmm good. I used to get a prepackaged Chinese chicken salad from a large wholesaler very similar to this. I am no longer near that type of place and was looking for a duplicate recipe, and I am not disappointed! AWESOME AND THANKS!
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Is this toasted sesame oil? Can’t wait to try it and your egg rolls too!
Just regular sesame oil, Sherry :)
I have made this salad three times in a row now and it is my new favourite salad. I’ve made it with and without chicken and Romaine lettuce and its great any which way! Since I can’t have almonds I toasted sunflower seeds instead. I’ve been using the seasoned rice vinegar and since you mentioned it has more flavour I just used 1/8 cup and it’s perfect! Thanks again for this great recipe!
LOVE hearing this, Linda! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe :)
Comes together quickly and is a tasty salad. Even better, a great way to use up my leftover chicken fingers/cutlets. Thank you!!!!
YES!!! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Eva!
I cant find rice wine vinegar but I found seasoned rice vinegar. Is that the same?
Hi Linda – Seasoned rice vinegar works! It has more flavor than regular rice vinegar but less acidity.
Tried the salad tonight for dinner. Loved it! My daughter calculated the WW points which is 8/serving. Definitely worth it! Sooo satisfying! Thank you!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jamey!
Would it be a healthier option to substitute olive oil for the vegetable oil?
Sure!
can you make this dressing in large quantity and how long does it keep in the frig?
Sure! I’d keep it for up to 5 days, just to make sure it stays fresh :)
Hi
The dressing was lovely other than i dont think it needs the vegetable oil.
Its oily enough with the sesame oil.
A touch of soy sauce with it is nice too.
So glad you enjoyed it, Andrew!
Wow! Wow wow WOW!!!This is an awesome idea! I love learning how to make things. Thank you for this recipe! Thanks for Sharing !
You are so welcome!
This is so good with thinly sliced red bell pepper!
Awesome! So glad you’re enjoying it!
This salad is full of flavor and I loved the added crunch from the crispy noodles.
Thanks so much for rating the recipe, Patti!
What would you serve as a side for this meal?
If you want to keep it healthy, I love Quick and Crispy Veggie Fritters (https://www.justataste.com/quick-and-crispy-vegetable-fritters-recipe/) or Mashed Cauliflower (https://www.justataste.com/mashed-cauliflower-cheese-and-chives-recipe/). Enjoy!
Excited to try this out! How long would you say this can keep in the fridge for?
Hi Patricia! If you don’t add the dressing, the ingredients could last a day or two if tossed together and stored in an airtight container :)
This salad was amazing!!! Its super light and full of flavor!! We had it as a side dish to our dinner meal and omitted the chicken since we were eating a chicken dish! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
You are so welcome, Jen! Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe :)
I have opted for nappa cabbage and a mix of kale and Brussel sprouts power blend salad greens as that is what I have on hand as well as peanuts in place of almonds. So excited to try tomorrow for lunch.
Love your substitutions, Leslee! Hope you enjoyed the salad :)
I really liked your recipe. I didn’t have some cucumber. But next time will try it with cucumber. Thanks for recipe!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jane!
Love it, have to try. Leaving out the lettuce and adding green sprouts and Brussels sprouts. Yum
I made this as is – and it was awesome! Looking forward to trying it with some other greens as mentioned by others! Gotta keep the purple cabbage though for the nice color contrast!
Woohoo! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Betsy!
I love chicken salad thanks for the recipe .
You are so welcome, Lyn, enjoy!
I pinned Vicki Gunvalson’s recipe and then I found this one. I am going to make today. Love the kale and Brussels sprout substitution.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe, Susie!
Kelly,
What about substituting Napa (Chinese) Cabbage for the romaine??? I love Napa Cabbage.
That works!
Instead of the romaine & lettuce, I use a big bag of the kale & brussel sprout salad mix. It definitely holds up better for next day leftovers without having to keep everything separate. Little extra nutrition in there too. My whole family loves this!
Love that substitution, Sara! So glad you’re enjoying the recipe :)
Going to give this a try with Jamie’s suggestions .
I saw this recipe this morning, got dressed and got all of the ingredients. You know you can just tell when a recipe is going to be good! Not only good but GREAT!!! Its just my husband and I so I cut up the veg and put in a bowl then just took out a portion for lunch and added all the other ingredients. Tomorrow we can have the rest for lunch and it will be fresh. Great recipe!!!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Katie!
Very very good!! Entire family enjoyed this flavorful salad! Thank you!
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Debra!
Made this and it was absolutely amazing. I used Ken’s Steakhouse Lite Asian Sesame w/ Ginger & Soy dressing and it was perfect with this salad. Instead of chow mein noodles I bought fried wonton strips in the salad section. I also used the breasts from a rotisserie chicken for this recipe which made it so quick and easy.
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Monica!
Thanks for the wonderful recipe! My husband even cleaned his plate! My only suggestion is for those who like it spicy: I removed the veggie oil all together, added a dash of soy sauce, a sprinkling of red pepper flakes and garlic powder, and cut out the sugar. It made for a much more tangy salad dressing with a kick. Overall, it was a great recipe and going into the monthly rotation!
I made this today and it was a big hit for the entire family and my father -in- law. I just added mandarin oranges and julienned carrots. Even the kids loved it.
Hi Kelly,
thanx for your reply:) I have tried a few of your recipes, and I am NEVER disappointed – Thank you so much!! Now i have to watch the waistline.LOL
Amanda
Hi Kelly,this looks absolutely divine and i am going to try it,but how do i get chow mein noodles crispy? please advise.
thanx Amanda
Hi Amanda – The Crispy chow mein noodles are sold in most major grocery stores and can usually be found in the Asian products section.
I made this for a Superbowl party and it was a HUGH hit. I have made it for my family and it is a big hit at the Haeg house..
Thrilled you’re enjoying the recipe, Cynthia :)
Nice salad. Thanks so much.
Haven’t made this in years! Happy to see your site. Making this tonight and a ton of it! When I use to make it, instead of chow mein noodles, I broke up Top Ramen, added sesame seeds and toasted them in the oven till lightly browned. I think I might add some brocolli slaw to this recipe!
This salad really looks so fresh and healthy. I am on a diet so this would just be perfect! I do love how the purple cabbage adds so much life to this dish! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
I made this for lunch today – it is really, really good! I used napa cabbage instead of romaine, but other than that stuck to the recipe as written. A great dieter’s salad, with one caveat; that dressing is over a thousand calories if you use up all of it! 1 tablespoon, though, is just 78. Yay!
I made this, tonight, and loved it. I also added mandarin oranges and grated carrots. I used unseasoned rice vinegar,and the dressing was perfect. Delicious, clean eating– especially after all the Christmas sugar.
PS: I bought your book, “Food Blogging for Dummies” and am gearing up to start reading it. It looks great.
Just found your blog and love it. The salad is just exactly what I want for lunch, and maybe dinner too! I’m out of romaine but nappa might work. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
THIS IS AMAZING. Everytime I travel I get the chinese chicken salad from Wolfgang Puck to-go at LAX. It’s never great, and I should totally just make this when I get a craving!
This is my kind of salad! I love the shot of the cabbage!
So funny – I made the same salad this week for lunch and was so sad to be out of chow mein noodles!! So good!!
gorgeous photos, kelly! this sounds like such a flavorful salad, i wouldn’t even miss the fattening calories of some other salad!
OMG I love this recipe. This is fabulous.YOU are fabulous and this is SO going to be my dinner tomorrow night.
xo
Looks absolutely beautiful, kelly!! I want to some now!! Miss you!!
Yum! I love trying new salads, and this one looks awesome. I feel like I always get into a salad rut…so I’ll definitely be making this soon. I’m obsessed with chinese chicken salad, so I’m sure I’ll love it!
This awesome! I totally saw it on Instagram, and thought wow that looks so good and healthy. Then I saw the preview, and now it is here! I love how simple, and crunchy this is. I am so making this. I usually buy cabbage every week, and am looking for ways to change it up. This is a great way! Plus there’s apple pie next week:).
Pretty and simple! But that tip about discarding chicken skin — sacrilege!
this salad looks amazing! its just begging to be eaten!
looks great girl!!