Chinese Chicken Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad loaded with shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a sweet and tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this California-born classic comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~10 min
Poach the chicken breast.
1.Place chicken breast in a saucepan and add enough water to cover by 1 inch.2.Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.3.Poach gently for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink inside.4.Remove from water, let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. - bake · ~5 min
Toast the almonds and sesame seeds.
1.Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer.2.Toast in a 350°F oven for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.3.Add sesame seeds for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.4.Remove from oven and let cool completely.TIPWatch the sesame seeds closely — they go from golden to burnt in seconds. - prep · ~8 min
Prepare the vegetables.
1.Thinly shred the cabbage into fine ribbons.2.Julienne the carrot into thin matchsticks.3.Thinly slice the red bell pepper into strips.4.Slice scallions on a diagonal and roughly chop the cilantro. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk together the sesame-ginger dressing.
In a small bowl, combine neutral oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until emulsified and the honey is fully dissolved.
- assemble · ~1 min
Toss the salad together.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, scallions, and cilantro.2.Add the shredded chicken on top.3.Pour the dressing over everything and toss well to coat evenly.4.Sprinkle toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad and give one final gentle toss. - serve
Serve immediately or let flavors meld.
Serve right away for maximum crunch, or let the salad sit for 10 minutes so the cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing. This salad also keeps well for a make-ahead lunch.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Shred the chicken while still slightly warm for easier pulling and better dressing absorption.
- 2Use a mandoline for ultra-thin cabbage shreds that curl and hold dressing beautifully.
- 3Toast almonds in a dry skillet on the stovetop if you prefer, shaking constantly until fragrant.
- 4Let the dressed salad rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the cabbage softens and flavors meld.
- 5Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead and shake well before tossing with the salad.
- 6Store leftover salad without the almonds to keep them crunchy; add them just before eating.
- 7Pat the shredded cabbage dry with a clean towel if it looks watery to keep the dressing from thinning.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Double the chicken or swap in shredded rotisserie turkey for a protein boost that makes this salad a hearty main meal.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the neutral oil in the dressing with an equal amount of additional rice vinegar or a splash of water to reduce fat while keeping the tangy flavor.
crunchy veggieCrunchy-veggie
Add thinly sliced snow peas, julienned daikon radish, or diced cucumber for extra freshness and color.
spicySpicy
Include 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili crisp in the dressing or add sliced fresh red chili to the salad for a kick of heat.
nut freeNut-free
Replace almonds with roasted salted sunflower seeds or crispy fried wonton strips to maintain crunch without tree nuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean protein source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Rich in vitamin C
Green cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots deliver a solid dose of vitamin C, a key antioxidant for immune health.
Good source of fiber
The shredded cabbage and carrots contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Contains healthy fats
Almonds and sesame seeds offer unsaturated fats and vitamin E, which support heart health and skin integrity.
Low in added sugar
A modest amount of honey provides sweetness without excessive sugar, making this salad a balanced choice.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, simply shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken breast and skip the poaching step for a quicker prep.
