Name: Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 2 –3 cups shredded lettuce (slaw, or shredded Brussels sprouts); 2 cups shredded carrots; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 2 cups cooked (shelled edamame); 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 2 cups crispy chow mein noodles; Sesame seeds (optional); 2 chicken breasts; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons Chinese 5-spice seasoning (or a mix of garam masala and Cajun seasoning)

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If there’s one salad that can make lunchtime or dinner a true delight, it’s the crunchy, flavorful Asian Chicken Salad. Packed with vibrant veggies, juicy soy-marinated chicken, and a satisfying crunch from chow mein noodles, this salad feels like a well-rounded meal.

It’s easy to make, guilt-free, and so versatile that you can customize it to suit your taste buds. With every bite, you get a medley of textures and flavors, making this dish both irresistible and refreshing. You can also enjoy a twist on this classic by trying a rotisserie chicken salad recipe.

Ingredients

For the salad:

2–3 cups shredded lettuce, slaw, or shredded Brussels sprouts
2 cups shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cups cooked, shelled edamame
1/2 cup chopped almonds
2 cups crispy chow mein noodles
Sesame seeds (optional)

For the marinated chicken:

2 chicken breasts
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Chinese 5-spice seasoning (or a mix of garam masala and Cajun seasoning)

For the dressing (optional, if not using a bottled version):

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup oil
1/3 cup water

Cooking Time

Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Serves: 6 servings

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Oven or grill
Baking dish (if baking chicken)
Tongs

How to Make This Recipe?

Making this vibrant Asian-inspired salad is easier than you think—just follow these simple steps to bring together fresh veggies, flavorful chicken, and irresistible crunch!

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by gathering your veggies. Toss the shredded lettuce (or slaw/Brussels sprouts), carrots, green onions, edamame, almonds, and cilantro in a large bowl. If you’re using sesame seeds, add those now too for an extra nutty flavor. Mixing these fresh ingredients will form the crunchy, colorful base of your salad.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, prepare the marinade. Whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sugar, and Chinese 5-spice seasoning. Submerge the chicken breasts fully in this marinade, letting them soak for at least an hour. This step infuses the chicken with bold and savory flavors that make every bite memorable.

Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Once marinated, cook the chicken by baking it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20–30 minutes or until fully cooked. Alternatively, grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Allow it to cool, then shred it into thin pieces, ready to join the salad.

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl of veggies. Drizzle your chosen dressing generously over the top and toss everything well to combine. Finally, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles just before serving to retain their crunch. You can also explore unique options like a Chinese chicken salad dressing recipe to add bursts of flavor.

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

For me, this salad is a celebration of everything I enjoy about healthy yet indulgent meals. I love the balance of tender marinated chicken with the crunch of fresh vegetables and crispy noodles. It’s also a dish that allows for endless creativity—I’ve swapped out proteins and played with different dressings, and it never disappoints. This recipe makes me excited about salads, and that’s saying something!

Tips and Variations

Customizing this recipe has been such a fun process, and here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a protein variation.
For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or water chestnuts.
Feel free to use a peanut-based or sesame-ginger dressing for a different flavor profile.
Double the marinade ingredients to keep extra on hand as a dipping sauce.
If you love spice, add a dash of Sriracha or chili flakes to your dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This Asian Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with a light soup, such as miso soup or a broth-based vegetable soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside steamed dumplings or spring rolls. It also makes a satisfying standalone dish when served in larger portions. If you’re meal prepping, you might also like a simple southern chicken salad recipe for variety in your menu.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad (without the dressing or chow mein noodles) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles and dressing separate to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, toss the veggies with the dressing and top with the crispy noodles. Reheat the shredded chicken slightly if desired, but it’s just as tasty cold.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate per serving:

Calories: 300
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 12g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this salad is simple, but here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Overdressing: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Toss lightly and adjust as needed.
Skipping the marinade: Skipping the marinade will lead to bland chicken. Even a quick 30 minutes can make a difference.
Not adding the noodles last: If the chow mein noodles go in too early, they’ll lose their crunch by serving time.

This Asian Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping it for a dinner party or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!

Ash Tyrrell