Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad

Crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and crunchy wontons come together in a symphony of textures in this refreshing Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad. This isn’t just any ordinary salad—it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes with a delightful Asian-inspired dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a colorful side dish for your next gathering, this Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad delivers both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures while mastering a homemade dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad is a game-changer for both salad lovers and skeptics alike. The combination of tender, marinated chicken breast and crisp vegetables creates an irresistible textural contrast that keeps your fork coming back for more. Unlike basic garden salads, this Asian-inspired chopped salad delivers bold flavors in every bite thanks to the perfect balance of sweet mandarin oranges, savory chicken, and the umami-rich sesame ginger dressing.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and visual appeal. The rainbow of colors from red cabbage, carrots, and green onions makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s also incredibly convenient—you can prep components ahead of time for quick assembly, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining. The salad stays crisp without wilting, unlike many leafy green options, giving you a satisfying crunch whether you’re enjoying it immediately or hours later.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g), cooked and diced
• 4 cups (300g) Napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 cups (150g) red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (110g) carrots, julienned or shredded
• 1 cup (150g) mandarin orange segments, drained if using canned
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup (30g) green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (60g) crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sesame seeds

Pro Tips

Chicken Preparation: For the most flavorful chicken in your Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad, marinate it before cooking. A simple mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey will infuse the meat with Asian-inspired flavors that complement the salad perfectly. For maximum tenderness, avoid overcooking the chicken—remove it from heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then let it rest for 5 minutes before chopping to seal in the juices.

Dressing Technique: Make your dressing at least 30 minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. For the best emulsion, add the oils last, whisking continuously as you pour them in a slow stream. This creates a perfectly blended dressing that won’t separate and ensures every bite of your Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad is evenly coated with flavor.

Texture Control: For the signature crunch that makes a chopped Asian chicken salad so satisfying, add ingredients in the right order. Toss the cabbages and carrots with the dressing first, allowing them to slightly soften, then add delicate ingredients like mandarin oranges and crispy toppings like wontons and almonds just before serving. This layering technique prevents sogginess and maintains the perfect textural contrast throughout your salad.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or poach until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces. For a shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken from another meal. The tender chicken pieces will add substantial protein to your Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad, making it satisfying enough for a main dish.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the sesame oil and vegetable oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion. Stir in the sesame seeds. This homemade dressing will elevate your Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad far beyond what any bottled dressing could achieve. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the ingredients in a small food processor.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the Napa cabbage and thinly slice the red cabbage. Julienne or shred the carrots, and slice the green onions. The fine chopping technique is crucial for the authentic texture of a Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad, ensuring that each forkful contains a perfect mix of ingredients. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl.

Step 4: Toast the Almonds
Heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly! Transfer to a plate to cool. This quick step adds tremendous flavor and texture to your salad.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled, diced chicken, mandarin orange segments, and chopped cilantro (if using) to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. You want everything lightly dressed but not soggy. Add the toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reserve the remaining dressing to serve on the side.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Portion the Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad into serving bowls or plates. Garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, and a few extra crispy wonton strips for visual appeal. Serve immediately with the extra dressing on the side, allowing everyone to add more to taste.

Variations

Vegetarian Chinese Chopped Salad: For a meatless version of this Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad, substitute the chicken with marinated and baked tofu or tempeh. Cut firm tofu into cubes, press out excess water, then marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of maple syrup for at least 30 minutes before baking until golden. The tofu will absorb the flavors beautifully while providing protein to keep the salad satisfying.

Spicy Version: Add a kick to your Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad by incorporating some heat. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the dressing, or add thinly sliced fresh jalapeños to the salad itself. For a milder heat that builds gradually, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of cool, crisp vegetables with a warming spice element.

Seafood Twist: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or flaked salmon for a seafood variation. Marinate the shrimp in the same seasonings recommended for the chicken, then quickly sauté until pink and tender. Alternatively, use a simply seasoned piece of salmon, cooked and flaked. The seafood pairs wonderfully with the mandarin oranges and Asian-inspired dressing while offering a different protein option.

Storage and Serving

Storage Tips: For the freshest Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad experience, store the components separately when possible. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chopped vegetables can be stored together in another container for 2-3 days, while the cooked chicken will keep for 3-4 days. Always store the crispy elements like wonton strips and toasted almonds at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain their crunch. For meal prep, assemble individual portions without dressing, then add it just before eating.

Serving Suggestions: This versatile Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad works beautifully as both a main dish and a side. For a complete meal, serve it with a cup of hot and sour soup or a spring roll on the side. When entertaining, present this colorful salad on a large platter and let guests serve themselves, or create an elegant composed salad by arranging the components in sections on individual plates. For a creative presentation, serve individual portions in lettuce cups or wonton cups as an impressive appetizer.

FAQs

Can I make this Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, prepare the components separately. Chop vegetables and cook chicken up to 2 days ahead, make the dressing up to 5 days ahead, and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine everything just before serving, adding the crispy elements last to maintain their texture.

What’s the best substitute for Napa cabbage?
If you can’t find Napa cabbage, green cabbage makes a good substitute in this Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad. It’s slightly crunchier, so you may want to chop it finer. Romaine lettuce can also work for a lighter texture, though it won’t have the same authentic flavor profile.

How can I make this salad more filling?
To make your Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad more substantial, increase the protein by adding more chicken or incorporating edamame beans. You can also add cooked and cooled rice noodles or quinoa for extra carbohydrates that complement the Asian flavors.

Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and omitting the wonton strips (or finding gluten-free alternatives). Always check labels on store-bought ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad. Simply remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and it’s ready to add to your salad. This convenience option still delivers great flavor, especially when tossed with the homemade dressing.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad is fresh, vibrant eating at its finest — a colorful medley of crisp vegetables and tender chicken brought together by a tangy sesame ginger dressing that sings with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between satisfying and healthy, perfect for warm summer evenings or brightening up cold winter days. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish at your next potluck, or a healthy dinner option, this salad delivers on both taste and nutrition. Make it once, and this Asian-inspired chopped salad is bound to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.

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