The Ultimate Homemade Chinese Chicken Salad: Crispy, Flavorful & Healthier Than Takeout

There’s nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad, especially when it packs a punch of flavor and an exciting array of textures. This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is truly BEYOND DELICIOUS and quickly becoming a staple in many kitchens. If you, like us, find yourself constantly craving the delightful Chinese Chicken Salad from your favorite Asian restaurant, then prepare to be amazed. This copycat recipe brings that beloved restaurant quality right to your home, but with a significant upgrade: it’s not only healthier but also a million times fresher and tastier!

Imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with crisp, golden chunks of ramen noodles, vibrant carrots, crunchy slivered almonds, and a medley of fresh greens. Every single component is perfectly coated in an incredibly flavorful and balanced Asian dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, offering a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, tangy, and umami notes in every bite. Get ready to make this culinary masterpiece with us!

What Makes This Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad Truly Special?

The magic of this Chinese Chicken Salad lies in two main elements: its extraordinary Asian dressing and the delightful crunch of the noodles. These two components work in perfect synergy to transform a simple bowl of fresh greens into an unforgettable meal. This salad is built on a foundation of crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, pungent green onions, and succulent chicken, all beautifully garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s robust enough to serve as a satisfying main course but also makes an excellent stand-alone side dish for any occasion.

We proudly call this a “chopped salad” because meticulous attention is paid to ensuring every ingredient is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This means perfectly chopped lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Even the chicken is finely chopped or shredded, guaranteeing that each forkful offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This intentional chopping not only makes the salad easier to eat but also enhances the overall flavor distribution, ensuring you get a little bit of everything in every delicious bite.

The Hero Dressing: An Irresistible Asian Flavor Explosion

While every ingredient in this salad plays a vital role, the real MVP is undoubtedly the homemade Asian dressing. This dressing is the secret weapon that brings all the diverse components together, infusing the salad with its signature savory, sweet, and tangy profile. Crafting this dressing from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the flavors to your exact preference, ensuring a result far superior to any store-bought alternative.

Our Asian dressing recipe is a carefully balanced blend of essential ingredients. It starts with a base of neutral canola oil, providing a smooth texture, combined with vibrant rice vinegar for a bright, tangy kick. Soy sauce adds that crucial umami depth, while fresh grated ginger delivers a warm, zesty spice that awakens the palate. A touch of nutty sesame oil enhances the overall aroma and richness. To balance these savory and tangy notes, a bit of sugar is added, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. The secret ingredient that elevates this dressing even further is the chicken ramen noodle seasoning packet – it provides an instant boost of authentic, savory flavor that ties everything back to the “ramen” theme of the salad. Whisk these ingredients together, and you have a dressing that’s fresh, bold, and absolutely irresistible. This dressing can be prepared in minutes and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making meal prep a breeze!

Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken for the Perfect Salad

One of the beauties of this Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is its flexibility when it comes to the chicken. You can truly use any cooked chicken you have on hand or prefer to prepare. The goal is tender, flavorful chicken that can be easily shredded or diced to integrate seamlessly into the chopped salad experience.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Your Ultimate Time-Saver
  For unparalleled convenience and instant gratification, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend. It comes fully cooked, perfectly seasoned, and wonderfully tender. Simply shred the meat from the bones, and it’s ready to be added to your salad. This option is fantastic for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss of cooking raw chicken.
• Baked Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Simple & Flavorful
  If you prefer to cook your chicken from scratch, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are an excellent choice. They offer a lean protein source and a clean flavor that pairs beautifully with the Asian dressing. To prepare them, simply cube the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and season generously with a little salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink. For whole breasts or thighs, it might take around 25-30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Once cooled, you can easily dice or shred them. YUM!
• Instant Pot Chicken: Tender & Juicy Every Time
  My personal favorite method for preparing chicken for salads is often in the Instant Pot. It consistently yields incredibly tender and juicy chicken with minimal effort. I typically throw a few boneless, skinless chicken breasts into my Instant Pot with about 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Cook it manually on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure. Once done, it’s remarkably easy to shred the chicken using two forks, creating perfect pieces for your chopped salad.

Regardless of your chosen method, ensure the chicken is cooled before adding it to the salad. This prevents wilting the fresh greens and helps the dressing coat everything evenly.

The Crunch Factor: Essential Chinese Chicken Salad Toppings and Additions

If you’re already familiar with the magic of Chinese Chicken Salad, you know it’s not just about the chicken and dressing; it’s equally about the incredible variety of delicious toppings that add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. This recipe embraces those essential toppings to create a truly authentic and satisfying experience.

• Vibrant Vegetables for Freshness and Color: Beyond the chicken, the base of this salad is packed with fresh vegetables. We start with crisp shredded cabbage (a mix of green and red for visual appeal), crunchy shredded carrots for sweetness and color, and finely chopped green onions for a mild oniony bite. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the Asian flavors beautifully.
• Slivered Almonds: A Nutty, Satisfying Crunch: To introduce an additional layer of texture and a wonderful nutty flavor, we’ve included slivered almonds. Nuts and Asian flavors are a match made in culinary heaven, and the almonds provide a delicate crunch that contrasts perfectly with the softer ingredients. They also contribute healthy fats and protein, making the salad even more satisfying.
• The Signature Crispy Noodles: Ramen or Chow Mein: No Chinese Chicken Salad is complete without that iconic crunch! For this recipe, we use broken-up dry ramen noodle packets. Simply crush them slightly before adding them to the salad to create fantastic crispy chunks. This is a brilliant way to add texture and an extra layer of savory flavor from the noodles themselves. Alternatively, if you have traditional La Choy Chow Mein Noodles on hand, they work just as wonderfully and provide that classic crunch.
• Mandarin Oranges: A Burst of Sweet Citrus: While not shown in all images, mandarin oranges are an absolutely stellar addition to this salad. Their sweet, juicy segments offer a delightful burst of flavor and freshness, cutting through the richness of the dressing and adding a vibrant, tangy contrast. They truly elevate the salad from great to extraordinary.
• Sesame Seeds for Garnish and Flavor: A final sprinkle of sesame seeds, either white or black, adds an elegant finish, a subtle nutty flavor, and an extra touch of texture. They’re optional but highly recommended for that authentic restaurant-style look and taste.

These toppings are carefully chosen to ensure a balanced and exciting eating experience, making every forkful a delightful adventure of flavors and textures.

Pin This Recipe for Later!

Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! If you love the sound of this homemade Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad as much as we do, make sure to save it for your next meal prep or gathering. You can easily pin it to your favorite Pinterest board to revisit whenever that craving strikes!

Yield: 6 servings

Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad with Ramen Noodles

The best, restaurant style Chinese Chicken Salad made with dry ramen noodles!

Prep Time
10 minutes

Total Time
10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 1 14 ounce bag classic coleslaw mix
• 2 cups shredded romain lettuce
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 bunch green onions, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro minced
• 1 package Chicken Ramen Noodles, dry noodles, broken
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Asian Dressing

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package Chicken Ramen Noodle Seasoning

Instructions

To make the salad:

In a large bowl, add chicken, green and red cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro. Drizzle with salad dressing and toss to combine. Sprinkle dry Rame noodles and sesame seeds.

To make the Asian salad dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, and the chicken ramen noodle seasoning packet. Use immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

Another delicious topping would be to add some mandarin oranges.

You can use dry Chow Mein noodles instead of ramen if you prefer.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage for Your Convenience

This Chinese Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy fresh, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. Here are some tips to help you prepare components in advance:

• Prepare Chicken: Cook and shred or dice your chicken up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Chop Vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables (cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro) a day or two before serving. Store them in separate airtight containers or a large container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
• Mix the Dressing: The Asian dressing can be whisked together and stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a good shake or whisk before using.
• Store Toppings Separately: Keep the dry ramen noodles and slivered almonds separate from the wet ingredients to maintain their crispness. Add them right before serving.

To ensure maximum freshness and crunch, it’s always best to combine the dressing with the salad ingredients just before serving. If you have leftovers of a dressed salad, they will still be delicious but the ramen noodles and some vegetables might soften. For best results, dress only the portion you plan to eat immediately.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This versatile Chinese Chicken Salad is fantastic on its own as a light yet satisfying meal, but it also shines in various other contexts:

• Light Lunch or Dinner: Serve a generous portion as your main meal for a refreshing and filling option.
• Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully as a side to grilled chicken, fish, or even alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like spring rolls or potstickers.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: This salad is always a crowd-pleaser! Just remember to keep the dressing and crispy toppings separate until serving time to maintain texture.
• Add More Protein: For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with baked tofu, tempeh, or edamame. For a seafood twist, consider adding grilled shrimp.
• Additional Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or thinly sliced radishes for added color and crunch.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a dash of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Other Nuts: While slivered almonds are fantastic, toasted cashews or peanuts can also provide a delicious nutty crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this Chinese Chicken Salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein. Excellent substitutes include baked or pan-fried tofu (cubed or crumbled), tempeh, or even a generous amount of edamame. If using the ramen seasoning packet, be sure to check its ingredients, as some may contain chicken broth. A vegetable broth-based seasoning packet or a simple blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutritional yeast can be used as an alternative flavor booster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a few simple substitutions, this salad can easily be made gluten-free. The main culprits for gluten would be soy sauce and the ramen noodles. Replace regular soy sauce with Tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. For the ramen noodles, ensure you purchase a certified gluten-free ramen brand, or use gluten-free chow mein noodles. Always double-check the labels of your coleslaw mix and ramen seasoning packet to ensure they are free from gluten-containing ingredients.

How long does the Chinese Chicken Salad last?

When stored correctly, the undressed components of this salad can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This includes the cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, and the prepared dressing (stored separately). Once the salad is dressed, it is best consumed within 1-2 hours to enjoy the optimal crispness of the noodles and vegetables. Leftovers of dressed salad will still be edible the next day, but the crunchy elements will soften considerably.

What if I don’t have ramen noodles on hand?

No problem! While ramen noodles provide a unique and delicious crunch, you can easily substitute them with other crispy elements. Traditional La Choy Chow Mein Noodles are an excellent alternative and are often used in similar Asian salads. Other options include crushed wonton strips, crispy rice noodles, or even a mix of toasted sesame sticks and nuts. The goal is to add that irresistible textural contrast!

With these FAQs answered, you’re well-equipped to customize and enjoy this fantastic homemade Chinese Chicken Salad to its fullest!

There you have it – a homemade Chinese Chicken Salad that truly rivals, and often surpasses, your favorite restaurant version. With its perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy noodles and almonds, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible Asian dressing, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a show-stopping potluck dish, or a healthier alternative to takeout, this recipe has you covered. So gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this truly ultimate Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad. Enjoy every flavorful, crunchy bite!