Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant, mouth-watering fusion dish that beautifully combines the best of Asian-inspired flavors with a classic American salad structure. Featuring crunchy Ramen noodles, aromatic Sesame oil, fresh green onions, and crisp coleslaw, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience. It’s the perfect flavorful side dish or light meal, ideal for pairing with a variety of Asian-American blended meals or enjoying on its own.

Experience the Timeless Appeal of Chinese Chicken Salad

Often recognized as “Asian Chicken Salad” or “Oriental Chicken Salad,” this iconic dish has charmed palates across the United States for decades. Its popularity soared in the 1960s, quickly becoming a staple at gatherings and family dinners. Legend even has it that the famously beloved actor Cary Grant was a huge admirer of this refreshing meal!

More than just a simple side, Chinese Chicken Salad is a testament to the magic of fusion cuisine. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it incredibly versatile, pairing seamlessly with a wide range of dishes. The rich, nutty notes from the sesame oil, present in both the salad and its dressing, harmonize perfectly without ever being overwhelming. This delicate balance creates an irresistible taste that keeps people coming back for more.

Looking to explore more Asian-inspired culinary adventures? Don’t miss out on my Thai Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting meal or my Sweet Heat Asian Grilled Shrimp Skewers for a delightful appetizer or main course. These recipes embody the same spirit of vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

My Go-To Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe: A Potluck Favorite

There’s something inherently special about a homemade Chinese Chicken Salad. Whenever I spot a similar dish at a potluck, I make sure to grab a generous serving before it vanishes! While many variations exist, the recipe I’m sharing today is the one I’ve perfected over the years, a treasured gem passed down from a cookbook my mother-in-law received from the Harlan, Iowa newspaper.

I’ve always been a huge fan of coleslaw, and this recipe offers an exciting new dimension to enjoying it! It’s not just delicious, but also incredibly practical. It provides an excellent way to utilize leftover chicken you might have on hand or transform a convenient Rotisserie Chicken into something spectacular. This dish brings together fresh, crisp vegetables with tender chicken and an explosion of savory-sweet flavors, all enhanced by an irresistible crunch.

Unpacking the Deliciousness: What is Chinese Chicken Salad?

Chinese Chicken Salad, a culinary phenomenon widely enjoyed across the United States, is believed to have originated in the vibrant culinary scene of California. Its “Chinese” designation doesn’t necessarily imply direct traditional Chinese origins but rather points to the incorporation of distinctive Chinese-style seasonings and ingredients, most notably the rich and nutty sesame oil, alongside crisp cabbage and the unexpected addition of ramen noodles.

This salad is a harmonious blend of slightly sweet and savory notes, creating a uniquely satisfying profile that can be savored throughout the year. While it’s a fantastic dish anytime, it truly shines during the warmer months. Its refreshing crunch and bright flavors perfectly complement the sweet and spicy undertones of grilled meats and classic BBQ dishes. Imagine serving it alongside my Smoked Pork Loin, complementing a delicate Smoked Salmon, or pairing it with my sticky-sweet Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken. The contrast of textures and flavors elevates any meal, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The Secret to Its Success: Key Ingredients

The magic of this Chinese Chicken Salad lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering its signature taste and texture.

FOR THE SALAD:

• Chicken Breasts: Cooked and diced, tender chicken is the traditional protein for this salad. However, you can easily adapt it! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken. Alternatively, explore other proteins like grilled shrimp or shredded pork for a delightful twist. Leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for a quick and easy preparation.
• Ramen Noodles: The uncooked, crumbled ramen noodles are the star of the show, providing an irresistible, unique crunch that defines this salad. While various ramen flavors exist, the chicken flavor packet is specifically recommended for its savory notes, which contribute to the overall flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Sliced thinly, green onions add a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of vibrant color. They beautifully enhance the savory seasonings, including the ramen flavor packet, bringing a subtle sharpness to the dish.
• Water Chestnuts: These aquatic vegetables offer a delightful, crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Roughly chopped, they contribute another layer of crunch that complements the ramen noodles and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
• Coleslaw Mix: The base of our salad, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix (typically cabbage and carrots) is a convenient shortcut, readily available at most grocery stores. For an even fresher alternative, you can shred one head of cabbage and two carrots yourself.
• Sesame Seeds: Preferably toasted, sesame seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasing crunch. They beautifully complement the sesame oil in the dressing, reinforcing that authentic Asian-inspired taste and adding visual appeal.
• Slivered Almonds: These add an extra layer of crunch and a delicate nutty flavor. If almonds aren’t your preference, feel free to substitute with cashews or peanuts for a different but equally delicious texture and taste.

FOR THE DRESSING:

• Vegetable Oil: Serving as the essential base for our vibrant salad dressing, vegetable oil provides a neutral foundation, allowing other flavors to shine through beautifully.
• Sesame Oil: This is the secret ingredient that truly elevates the Asian-inspired flavors in the dish. Its distinctive nutty and aromatic profile is indispensable for an authentic taste. Don’t skip or skimp on this!
• White Vinegar: White vinegar provides the essential tang that balances the sweetness and richness of the dressing. It also plays a role in helping the body absorb nutrients from the fresh vegetables. For an even more authentic Asian twist, rice wine vinegar makes an excellent substitute.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar is crucial for balancing the salty and tangy elements in the dressing, creating that perfect sweet-and-sour harmony that is characteristic of this salad.
• Ramen Seasoning: This unassuming packet is a flavor powerhouse! It seamlessly brings together all the flavors of the salad and dressing, adding a savory depth and umami that is simply irresistible. Again, the chicken flavor packet is the preferred choice for consistency and optimal taste.

Crafting Your Own Homemade Chinese Chicken Salad: A Simple Guide

This recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly straightforward to make. Follow these easy steps to bring this sensational salad to your table.

STEP 1: MIX THE DRESSING

Begin by combining all the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk them thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and all components are well integrated. This ensures a uniform flavor distribution.

STEP 2: ASSEMBLE THE SALAD BASE

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, drained and roughly chopped water chestnuts, and thinly sliced green onions. Pour the freshly prepared dressing over these ingredients and mix everything thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated. Next, gently fold in the toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds, stirring again to ensure they are well distributed throughout the salad.

STEP 3: CHILL AND SERVE

For the best flavor development, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or until you are ready to serve. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, here’s the crucial step for that signature crunch: stir in the uncooked, crumbled Ramen noodles. Adding them right at the end prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures they remain wonderfully crisp, adding the perfect texture to every bite!

Tips for Success & Variations

Making this Chinese Chicken Salad is simple, but a few extra tips can elevate your experience and allow for delicious variations:

• Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dressing and mix the coleslaw, green onions, water chestnuts, sesame seeds, and almonds ahead of time. Store the dressing separately from the salad base in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, combine them and then add the uncooked ramen noodles for maximum crunch. This prevents the salad from getting soggy.
• Chicken Options: While cooked and diced chicken breasts are traditional, feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for a super quick meal. Leftover grilled or baked chicken also works wonderfully, adding depth of flavor.
• Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this salad vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken. You can add extra water chestnuts, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even edamame for more protein and texture.
• Nut-Free Alternative: If you have nut allergies, you can skip the slivered almonds. To maintain the crunch, consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead, or simply increase the amount of ramen noodles.
• Dressing Customization: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing to your liking. Add a pinch more sugar for a sweeter profile or a splash more vinegar for extra zing. A dash of ginger or garlic powder can also be added for more aromatic depth.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the ramen noodles will soften over time, so for the best crunch, it’s ideal to enjoy it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chinese Chicken Salad

• What kind of ramen noodles should I use?

  Uncooked, crumbled chicken-flavored ramen noodles are recommended for this recipe. You’ll use the noodles for crunch and the seasoning packet for the dressing. Avoid using ramen that comes with a different flavor profile unless you’re confident it will complement the dressing.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

  White vinegar is traditionally used, but rice wine vinegar is an excellent substitute that will enhance the Asian-inspired flavors even further. Apple cider vinegar can also work in a pinch, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• Is this salad healthy?

  While the dressing contains oil and sugar, this salad is packed with fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots, providing fiber and vitamins. You can make it healthier by reducing the sugar slightly, using less dressing, or opting for lean protein sources.

• Why add the ramen noodles at the very end?

  Adding the uncooked ramen noodles just before serving is key to maintaining their crisp texture. If added too early, they will absorb moisture from the dressing and become soft, losing that delightful crunch that makes this salad so unique.

• Can I use homemade shredded cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?

  Absolutely! Using fresh, finely shredded cabbage (about 1 head) and 2 shredded carrots will give you an even fresher taste. Just ensure it’s finely shredded for the best texture.

Ready to make this deliciously crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad yourself? It’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy a truly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Love it? Pin it!

Don’t let this incredible, flavorful Chinese-inspired recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes.

OTHER RECIPES YOU WILL ENJOY

• Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (pictured above)
• Sticky Asian Meatballs
• Asian Beef, Mushrooms and Snow Peas
• Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
• Basic Garlic Fried Rice
• Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Beef Lo Mein
• Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen
• Thai Shrimp & Rice Noodle Salad

It’s time to make this deliciously crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad! Enjoy every refreshing bite.