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Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Asian Chicken Salad Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Notes

  • 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.