Chinese-Inspired Chicken Salad

Ever crave something bright, crunchy, and a little unexpected for lunch that doesn’t feel like punishment for eating healthy? I got you. I fell in love with this Chinese‑inspired chicken salad the first time I needed a quick dinner that still felt fancy enough to impress my in-laws. It won them over, and it will win you over too.

I use rotisserie chicken when I’m lazy, and I shred with two forks like a civilized caveman. FYI, you can totally use leftover chicken or poach breasts if you prefer. For more rotisserie-based inspiration, check out this rotisserie chicken salad inspiration that gave me ideas for crunchy textures and tangy dressings.

What you’ll get here: a punchy, crunchy salad with a sesame‑forward dressing, mandarin sweetness, and toasted almonds for that irresistible snap. I’ll walk you through ingredients, steps, pro tips, and fun swaps — all in a friendly, not-too-serious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to assemble — especially if you use pre-cooked chicken.
• Balanced flavors — savory sesame, bright rice vinegar, and sweet citrus.
• Great texture — tender chicken, crisp cabbage, crunchy almonds.
• Flexible — easy to customize for dietary needs or what’s in your fridge.
• Meal‑prep friendly — keeps well in the fridge for a few days (with a tiny caveat below).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups thinly sliced Napa or green cabbage*
• 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage*
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
• 2 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (12 ounces cooked)
• 1 cup orange segments (use a 12- to 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges in 100% juice, drained well, or supreme an orange, or cut fresh orange segments into chunks)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted
• Optional: Black and/or white sesame seeds for garnish
• ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Bold note: Toasted sesame oil is where the soul of this dressing lives. Don’t skip it unless you want a sad salad.

Ingredient and Method: I keep them simple and clean so you can eat faster and brag slower.

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

STEP 1

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, sugar snap peas, green onions, and cooked chicken. Toss well to combine. I toss like I mean it because uneven dressing distribution equals sad bites.

STEP 2

In a small bowl or jar, combine all of the dressing ingredients. Whisk or shake well to combine. The coconut aminos add umami without soy overload. Pro tip: use a jar and shake; it’s oddly satisfying.

STEP 3

Pour over salad just before serving. Gently stir in oranges, cilantro, and toasted almonds. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Taste and adjust: more vinegar for zip, more sesame oil for drama.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Toast almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute or two until fragrant. Burned nuts ruin everything.
• Cut everything uniformly so each bite has balanced texture. I slice like a pro but you don’t need to audition for a cooking show.
• Dress just before serving if you like crunch. If you prep ahead, keep dressing separate and toss when you eat.
• Use fresh mandarin segments if you can; they taste brighter than canned. Canned ones work in a pinch.
• If you want it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. I do this when I feel dramatic.
• Substitute toasted pecans if you’re out of almonds — still good, just different vibes.

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations:

• Swap shredded chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Replace coconut aminos with low-sodium soy sauce for a saltier tang.
• Make it grain bowls-style by adding cooled cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Toppings:

• Add crispy wonton strips for restaurant-level crunch.
• Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for extra heft.
• Toss in sliced avocado for creaminess — risky but worth it.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerating: Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Keep for up to 3 days for best texture. I rarely stretch it beyond that because it tastes freshest on day one.
• Reheating: You don’t reheat this salad. If you want warmth, gently reheat the chicken and serve it over the cold salad. That combo still tastes great.
• Avoid sogginess: If you owe yourself crunchy satisfaction, mix dressing in only before eating.

Leftover ideas

Leftovers can transform into totally different meals. Try these quick switches:

• Wrap the salad in a large tortilla or lettuce leaves for a crunchy wrap.
• Stir in a scoop with hot rice and a fried egg for a quick bowl.
• Use the mixture as a topping for avocado halves — less sad than plain avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?

Yes. The recipe uses coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil; it’s naturally dairy-free. Ensure your coconut aminos are labeled gluten-free if you have severe sensitivity.

Can I swap the almonds?

Absolutely. Use peanuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

How long will leftovers keep?

Stored properly (dressing separate), the salad keeps well for up to 3 days. Eat sooner for crispness.

Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate and add crunchy toppings just before eating. Nobody likes soggy almonds. Seriously.

Conclusion

This Chinese‑inspired chicken salad gives you a fast, flavorful meal that balances crunch, sweetness, and savory sesame notes. It serves well for weeknight dinners, packed lunches, or when you need to impress someone without trying too hard. I recommend making a double batch if you like leftovers, though I won’t judge if you eat it all before anyone else gets a plate. If you want a slightly different take with similar flavors, check out this detailed version from another dietitian: Chinese-Inspired Chicken Salad (Mandarin Chicken Salad).

Thanks for reading — leave a comment and a rating if you try this. I honestly love hearing which tweak became your new signature move.