Asian Chicken Salad Recipe with crisp veggies, crunchy noodles, and a creamy dressing you’ll want on everything!
From the Author’s Kitchen
Transforming Lunch into an Exciting Culinary Adventure!
I confess, I’m a passionate advocate for a fantastic lunch. There’s something uniquely satisfying about a well-crafted midday meal. Whether it’s a hearty soup, a vibrant salad, or a gourmet sandwich, these dishes always feel like they truly belong to the lunch hour for me. In fact, the moment breakfast ends, I’m already eagerly anticipating what delightful creation awaits me for lunch!
Currently, my kitchen obsession revolves around the ingenious concept of mason jar salads. This method is a game-changer for anyone seeking convenience without compromising on freshness or flavor. Each week, I dedicate a short time to preparing a versatile protein, such as these incredibly tender baked chicken thighs. Once the protein is ready, I layer several beautiful salads into mason jars, creating grab-and-go meals that stay crisp and vibrant. My rotating lineup consistently features favorites like the refreshing Greek quinoa salad, my nourishing kale sweet potato salad, and, of course, this sensational Asian Chicken Salad recipe.
Each of these options makes for an absolutely *amazing* mason jar lunch, one that I genuinely look forward to unwrapping. This particular Asian Chicken Salad stands out with its incredible balance of textures and flavors. It boasts a lusciously creamy dressing that perfectly coats every element, an abundance of crisp, fresh veggies for delightful crunch, and a generous topping of crunchy chow mein noodles – which, admittedly, might just be my absolute favorite part! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brightens any lunch break.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Journey
This isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant, texture-rich meal that brings excitement to your plate. Here’s why this Asian Chicken Salad will become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Explosion of Flavors: The sweet, savory, and tangy notes of the creamy sesame dressing perfectly complement the fresh vegetables and tender chicken, creating a harmonious taste profile.
- Irresistible Crunch: From the crispness of fresh cabbage to the satisfying snap of grated carrots and the delightful crunch of chow mein noodles, every bite offers a captivating textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- Protein-Packed & Filling: Loaded with lean, shredded chicken, this salad is substantial enough to be a complete and satisfying meal, providing sustained energy without feeling heavy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Designed for convenience, this recipe is ideal for ahead-of-time preparation. Easily assembled in mason jars, it becomes the ultimate grab-and-go lunch solution for busy weeks, ensuring healthy, fresh meals are always within reach.
- Highly Customizable: Adapt it effortlessly to your dietary preferences, available ingredients, or simply to explore new flavor combinations. Swap proteins, add different veggies, or vary the crunchy toppings for endless delicious possibilities.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With minimal cooking required (especially if you opt for pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken), this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for quick weeknight dinners or fuss-free lunches.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with a colorful array of vegetables, this salad delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a balanced and healthy diet.
Key Ingredients for This Flavorful Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
Crafting the perfect Asian Chicken Salad starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each component to ensure your salad is nothing short of spectacular:
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|
| Green & Red Cabbage | These leafy greens form the crisp, vibrant base of your salad. Their dual colors add stunning visual appeal, while their inherent crunch provides an essential textural foundation. For ultimate convenience on busy days, a pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be a fantastic time-saver. When measuring, remember to tightly pack the shredded cabbage to ensure you achieve the correct volume for a balanced salad. |
| Cooked Chicken | Tender, shredded chicken serves as the robust protein powerhouse that makes this salad a complete and satisfying meal. The easiest option for quick assembly is a store-bought rotisserie chicken – simply shred and incorporate! Any leftover baked, grilled, or even marinated grilled chicken you have on hand will also work beautifully. For a lean and consistently tender option, poaching chicken breasts is a great choice. |
| Carrot | Freshly grated carrots infuse a delightful touch of natural sweetness and contribute another welcome layer of crunch and vibrant orange color. They are a classic and indispensable addition to virtually any Asian-inspired salad. If you’re looking to experiment or don’t have carrots, thinly shredded bell pepper (red or yellow varieties add great color) or crisp cucumber ribbons can be excellent substitutes, offering different flavor nuances and refreshing textures. |
| Crispy Chow Mein Noodles | This ingredient is truly the “secret weapon” for that undeniably addictive, savory crunch! These pre-fried, thin noodles elevate the salad from merely good to absolutely extraordinary. If chow mein noodles aren’t available, don’t despair! Toasted sliced almonds or cashews offer a pleasant nutty crispness, while crunchy wonton strips provide a similar fried noodle texture. Even crushed instant ramen noodles (you can briefly cook and then air-fry or bake them for crispness, or simply crush them raw for a more rustic crunch) can provide a delicious and unexpected alternative. |
| Creamy Sesame Dressing | This is the heart and soul of this Asian Chicken Salad – the luscious dressing that artfully ties all the diverse flavors together with its rich, savory, and perfectly balanced sweet and tangy profile. The balance of white vinegar and granulated sugar can be finely tuned to perfectly suit your palate – feel free to add a little more of one or the other until it hits your sweet spot. For a profoundly deep, complex, and aromatic flavor, always opt for toasted sesame seeds and their corresponding oil; the difference in aroma and taste compared tountoasted varieties is truly remarkable. |
| Green Onions (Scallions) | Finely sliced green onions are crucial for adding a mild, fresh, and slightly pungent oniony bite, along with a beautiful pop of vibrant green. They are an essential component for achieving that authentic, classic Asian salad flavor profile. Try not to skip them if you can help it! |
Crafting the Irresistible Creamy Sesame Dressing: The Heart of the Salad
The dressing is undeniably the star of this Asian Chicken Salad, bringing together all the fresh, crunchy ingredients with its harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. It’s incredibly easy to make at home and tastes far superior to anything store-bought, offering a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The key to its success lies in using quality ingredients, especially the toasted sesame oil, which provides an unparalleled nutty and aromatic foundation. This luscious, creamy concoction features a base of olive oil for smoothness, bright white vinegar for a sharp tang, a carefully measured touch of granulated sugar to perfectly balance the savory and acidic elements, aromatic garlic powder for a subtle warmth, and a hint of rich mayonnaise that contributes to its luscious, velvety texture. Finally, freshly toasted sesame seeds are stirred in, adding an extra layer of textural intrigue and an enhanced nutty aroma. Blending these ingredients creates a silky-smooth dressing that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken and vegetable, ensuring a burst of perfectly balanced flavor in every single bite. Once you experience the magic of this homemade dressing, you’ll find yourself wanting to drizzle it on everything, from simple greens to grilled proteins!
More Salads That Eat Like Meals: Delicious & Satisfying Options
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Pin Recipe
Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
Chelsea Lords
30 minutes
30 minutes
4
servings
Recipe Video (Visual Guide)
Watch our step-by-step video guide to effortlessly prepare this delicious Asian Chicken Salad. See how to perfect the dressing and assemble your salad for maximum flavor and crunch!
Essential Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: Indispensable for tossing all those fresh ingredients together without making a mess, ensuring even coating.
- Small Blender or Food Processor: Perfect for achieving that wonderfully smooth and creamy dressing consistency. While a whisk and bowl work, blending ensures optimal emulsification.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base
-
4
cups
green cabbage
finely shredded, for a crisp and fresh foundation -
1-1/2
cups
red cabbage
finely shredded, adding beautiful color and extra crunch -
1
cup
grated carrot
peeled & grated on the large holes of a box grater for natural sweetness and texture -
2
cups
cooked chicken
shredded (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver!) -
1/2
cup
thinly sliced green onions
for a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant garnish -
Crispy chow mein noodles
added to preference, for that essential and satisfying crunch!
For the Creamy Sesame Dressing
-
1/4
cup
olive oil
or use vegetable oil for a neutral base -
2
tablespoons
toasted sesame oil
crucial for authentic, deep nutty flavor -
3
tablespoons
white vinegar
for a bright, tangy kick that balances richness -
2
tablespoons
granulated sugar
balances the savory and tangy notes perfectly -
1/4
teaspoon
garlic powder
for aromatic depth and savory undertones -
1/4
cup
mayo
creates that luscious, creamy texture we all love -
1
teaspoon
salt
enhances all the flavors, adjust to taste -
1-1/2
teaspoons
toasted sesame seeds
for garnish and an extra nutty aroma, stirred in at the end
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Creamy Sesame Dressing: In a small blender jar, a food processor, or even a medium bowl with an immersion blender or a whisk, combine the olive oil, rich toasted sesame oil, bright white vinegar, granulated sugar, aromatic garlic powder, smooth mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt. Blend thoroughly for approximately 35 seconds, until the mixture is completely smooth, wonderfully creamy, and perfectly emulsified. Once blended, stir in the toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and aroma. For the best flavor development, we recommend refrigerating the dressing for at least 30 minutes before use, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 2. Assemble the Salad Base: In a spacious large mixing bowl, combine all the main salad components: the finely shredded green cabbage, equally vibrant red cabbage, sweet grated carrots, savory shredded cooked chicken, and the thinly sliced green onions. Gently toss these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of all the colorful elements. If you are preparing this Asian Chicken Salad ahead of time for future meal prep, it is crucial to keep the dressing separate from the main salad components to maintain maximum freshness and crunch. (Please refer to the detailed “Smart Storage Solutions” notes below for comprehensive instructions on meal prepping this delicious salad).
- 3. Dress and Serve: When you are fully ready to enjoy your vibrant salad, drizzle the creamy sesame dressing generously over the assembled salad ingredients in the large bowl. Begin with a conservative amount, as you likely won’t need all of it at once to achieve perfect flavor. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the luscious dressing. Taste a small portion and add more dressing if desired, ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored to your liking. Finally, divide the dressed salad onto individual plates or into serving bowls. To finish, top generously with crispy chow mein noodles – add as many as you desire for that ultimate satisfying crunch! Serve immediately to best savor its fresh textures and vibrant flavors.
Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for the Best Asian Chicken Salad
Storage for Peak Freshness: The secret to a truly outstanding salad lies in serving it at its freshest. Once the Asian Chicken Salad is tossed with the dressing, it is genuinely best enjoyed right away. The creamy sesame dressing, while incredibly delicious, will gradually soften the crispy vegetables and noodles over time. For this reason, if you anticipate leftovers or are planning for convenient meal prep, always store the undressed salad mixture (cabbage, carrots, chicken, green onions) and the creamy dressing in separate airtight containers within the refrigerator. This intelligent storage method will keep both components perfectly fresh for 3–4 days. Crucially, always add the crispy chow mein noodles just moments before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy and to maintain their delightful, satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions: This robust Asian Chicken Salad is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. However, it also pairs wonderfully as a fresh side dish alongside a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, delicate spring rolls, a platter of crispy potstickers, or even a simple side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded and delightful culinary experience.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Schedules: For ultimate convenience and to streamline your meal preparation, consider these make-ahead strategies: Prepare your chicken in advance – whether shredding a rotisserie chicken or cooking your own chicken breasts. Chop and shred all your vegetables (cabbage, carrots, green onions) and store them in an airtight container. Whisk together all the creamy sesame dressing components and store it in a separate, sealed jar. When hunger strikes, simply combine the prepped ingredients, dress, and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal in minutes!
Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors in the dressing is key. Feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar or white vinegar to perfectly match your personal preference. Add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or a touch more vinegar for an extra tangy kick. Always taste and adjust as you blend!
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
471
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
18
g
|
Protein:
24
g
|
Fat:
33
g
|
Saturated Fat:
5
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
7
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
19
g
|
Cholesterol:
65
mg
|
Sodium:
778
mg
|
Potassium:
549
mg
|
Fiber:
4
g
|
Sugar:
12
g
|
Vitamin A:
5030
IU
|
Vitamin C:
55
mg
|
Calcium:
92
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation. Values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
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Smart Storage Solutions for Your Asian Chicken Salad
Ensuring your Asian Chicken Salad stays fresh and delicious is key, especially if you’re planning for meal prep throughout the week. Proper storage ensures that crisp texture and vibrant flavors remain intact, making healthy eating both convenient and enjoyable:
- Immediate Enjoyment is Best: This salad truly shines brightest when served immediately after being dressed. The creamy sesame dressing, while incredibly delightful, will gradually soften the crispy vegetables and especially the chow mein noodles over time. For the absolute best experience with maximum crunch and freshness, always toss the salad with the dressing just moments before serving.
- The Meal Prep Powerhouse: Mason Jar Method: To enjoy this salad as a convenient grab-and-go meal throughout your busy week, intelligent layering is absolutely essential. We highly recommend using wide-mouth mason jars for easy assembly and effortless access to your delicious meal.
- First Layer (Bottom): Begin by pouring the creamy sesame dressing directly into the bottom of the mason jar. This clever placement prevents other ingredients from getting soggy.
- Second Layer: Next, carefully add the shredded cooked chicken, forming a protective barrier above the dressing.
- Third Layer: Then, layer in the heartier vegetables such as the red and green cabbage. Their robust nature allows them to withstand direct contact with the dressing much better than more delicate greens.
- Fourth Layer: Follow with the grated carrots and thinly sliced green onions, adding more color and flavor.
- Top Layer (Reserved): Critically, leave the crispy chow mein noodles out entirely until the very moment you are ready to eat. They are always the last addition, ensuring they retain their maximum delightful crunch.
Store these beautifully layered mason jars upright in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy, simply shake the jar vigorously to thoroughly distribute the dressing, then add your crispy chow mein noodles, and savor your perfectly fresh and crunchy salad!
- Separate Components for Flexibility: Alternatively, for maximum flexibility, you can store all the solid salad ingredients (a mix of cabbage, carrots, cooked chicken, and green onions) together in one large airtight container, and keep the creamy sesame dressing in a separate small, sealed container. This allows you to portion out the salad as needed and dress each serving fresh, ensuring optimal texture and flavor for every meal.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
One of the most appealing aspects of this Asian Chicken Salad recipe is its incredible versatility. Feel completely free to experiment with different ingredients and substitutions to tailor it perfectly to your dietary preferences, what you have readily available in your pantry, or simply to explore exciting new flavor combinations and keep things interesting:
- Diverse Protein Swaps for Every Palate:
- Shrimp: For a delightful seafood twist, quickly sautéed or grilled shrimp offers a sweet and tender alternative to chicken.
- Tofu: For a superb vegetarian or fully vegan option, choose firm or extra-firm tofu. Ensure it’s well-pressed to remove excess water, then pan-fry or bake it until it’s wonderfully crispy. Marinating the tofu in a little soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking will infuse it with even more authentic flavor.
- Chickpeas or Edamame: Canned chickpeas (thoroughly rinsed and drained) or steamed, shelled edamame provide an excellent plant-based protein boost, along with a satisfying and unique texture.
- Pork or Beef: For a heartier and richer salad, thinly sliced cooked pork tenderloin or perfectly seared flank steak can be used to great effect.
- Add a Burst of Fruity Sweetness:
- Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarin orange segments (well-drained) add an irresistible burst of sweet, juicy citrus that perfectly complements the savory Asian flavors.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks bring a delightful tropical sweetness and a lovely tangy counterpoint to the dressing.
- Mango: Diced ripe mango can also add a luscious, sweet, and slightly soft tropical texture, especially when in season.
- Go Nutty for Enhanced Crunch and Flavor:
- Sliced Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds are a classic and always welcome addition, providing a delicate crunch and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully.
- Cashews or Peanuts: Roasted cashews or peanuts offer a more robust nutty flavor and a satisfyingly substantial crunch. Consider honey-roasted varieties for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Extra Sesame Seeds: Beyond what’s already incorporated into the dressing, an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished salad enhances both the flavor and adds visual appeal.
- Spice It Up to Your Liking:
- Red Pepper Flakes: A subtle pinch or two of red pepper flakes added directly to the dressing provides a gentle, building heat without overpowering other flavors.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who crave a bolder kick, swirl a small amount of Sriracha or robust chili garlic sauce into your dressing, or simply offer it on the side for individual customization.
- Fresh Ginger: A tiny bit of freshly grated ginger in the dressing can add a vibrant, zesty warmth.
- Boost the Veggies for More Goodness:
- Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add an explosion of vibrant color and a sweet, crisp crunch.
- Snap Peas: Fresh snap peas, whether raw or lightly blanched to retain their crispness, offer a refreshing sweet-crisp texture.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced or julienned cucumber provides a cool, hydrating, and refreshing element, perfect for balancing richer flavors.
- Broccoli Slaw Mix: A pre-packaged broccoli slaw mix can be a super convenient way to incorporate more fibrous and nutrient-dense vegetables easily.
- Water Chestnuts: Sliced water chestnuts can provide a unique, subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Mastering Your Asian Chicken Salad Recipe: Pro Tips for Perfection
Achieving a restaurant-quality Asian Chicken Salad at home is simple and straightforward when you follow these expert tips and tricks. These pointers will help ensure your salad is always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly textured:
- Ensure Peak Veggie Crispness: The absolute foundation of any truly great salad is fresh, crisp vegetables. Always start with thoroughly chilled cabbage and carrots. If your shredded vegetables seem a little limp, a clever trick is to give them a quick soak in ice water for about 15-20 minutes – this works wonders to revive their natural crunch. After soaking, remember to pat them thoroughly dry before adding them to the salad mixture; excess moisture can lead to a watery dressing and soggy results.
- Optimize Dressing Flavor Development: While the creamy sesame dressing is quick to blend, its complex flavors genuinely deepen and meld when given ample time to rest. Prepare your dressing at least 30 minutes, or ideally even a few hours, ahead of time. This resting period allows all the individual ingredients to harmonize beautifully, resulting in a more complex, nuanced, and satisfying taste profile. Always store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- Perfect Your Chicken Shreds: The texture of your cooked chicken plays a surprisingly significant role in the overall mouthfeel and balance of the salad. For the best integration with the finely shredded vegetables and the creamy dressing, ensure your cooked chicken is shredded finely and evenly. This can be easily achieved with two forks, by hand, or for larger batches, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can shred chicken in mere seconds!
- Serve Immediately After Tossing: To prevent your Asian Chicken Salad from becoming soggy, especially the highly anticipated crispy chow mein noodles, it is absolutely crucial to toss the salad with the dressing and then serve it right away. The dressing will begin to soften the crunchy elements almost immediately upon contact, so impeccable timing is key for that ultimate textural contrast and delightful crispness.
- Balance is Key – Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to adjust the dressing to your personal preference. A little more white vinegar can enhance the tanginess, a dash more granulated sugar can boost the sweetness, or an extra pinch of salt can bring out savory depths. Always taste as you go along and adjust the seasonings until the dressing perfectly suits your palate.
- Elevate Presentation Matters: A beautifully presented salad is always more appealing and appetizing. Consider garnishing your finished Asian Chicken Salad with an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, or a few additional thinly sliced green onion rounds right before serving to make it visually pop and add a touch of freshness.
- Don’t Over-Dress: Start with less dressing than you think you need. You can always add more if the salad seems dry, but you can’t take it away if it’s over-dressed. This ensures your salad remains crisp and flavorful, rather than drowning in dressing.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Asian Chicken Salad Awaits!
This Asian Chicken Salad recipe is far more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of incredible flavors and delightful textures that promises to brighten any lunch or dinner. With its perfect blend of crisp, colorful vegetables, tender, savory chicken, irresistibly crunchy noodles, and an unbelievably delicious, rich creamy sesame dressing, it’s destined to become a cherished staple in your kitchen and a frequent request from your family and friends. Easy to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and profoundly satisfying, this salad truly delivers on all fronts – taste, texture, and convenience. Whether you’re meticulously meal prepping for a busy week ahead or simply craving a fresh, flavorful, and exciting dish right now, this recipe offers a delightful culinary escape. Give it a try, and prepare to fall head over heels in love with your new favorite salad!