Deliciously Easy Chinese Chicken Chopped Salad
A fresh, crisp salad loaded with shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, sweet bell peppers, carrots, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. This is the kind of salad that’s light yet satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad:
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3–4 green onions, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup toasted almonds or cashews, roughly chopped
1 cup crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tsp sriracha
¼ cup neutral oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
If cooking chicken fresh, poach or bake until cooked through, then shred.
Chop and prepare all vegetables so they’re bite-sized and evenly sliced for a good “chopped salad” texture.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, sriracha (if using), and neutral oil until smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
Pour over the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted almonds or cashews, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips (if using).
Notes & Tips
Meal prep tip: Keep dressing separate until ready to serve so veggies stay crisp.
Extra flavor: Add mandarin orange segments for a sweet twist.
Protein swap: Works great with shrimp, tofu, or even seared beef strips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes — swap chicken for crispy tofu or edamame for plant-based protein.
Q: Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
A: Definitely! It’s a great time-saver, just add extra fresh herbs and toppings for flavor.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: ~680mg