Name: Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 14-ounce bag coleslaw mix; 6 ounces broccoli slaw or shredded carrots; 2 cups chopped cooked chicken; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2/3 cup salted cashews or peanuts; Juice from 1 lime (about 2 Tablespoons); 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh grated ginger; 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 Tablespoons honey; 2 Tablespoons gluten free soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sambal oelek or another type of Asian spicy sauce; 6 Tablespoons avocado oil or another type of neutral-tasting oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 61 reviews

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If you’re craving a vibrant, crunchy, and perfectly balanced salad that bursts with flavors, you are going to fall in love with this Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of fresh veggies, tender chicken, crunchy nuts, and an irresistibly tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy dressing. Whether you need a quick lunch, an easy dinner side, or an impressive dish to bring to your next gathering, this recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white plate with decorative patterns shows a colorful layered salad. At the bottom, there is a mix of shredded white cabbage and thin orange carrot strips spread across the layer. On top of this, diced cooked chicken pieces are placed on one side, with a pile of light green shredded vegetables on the opposite side. In the middle, there is a bright green layer of chopped scallions and fresh cilantro leaves stacked richly. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with condiments and a lime visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe is all about fresh and wholesome ingredients that combine to create a colorful, crunchy, and flavorful experience. Each component plays a starring role, from crisp slaws to zesty lime and punchy ginger, making every bite exciting.

1 14-ounce bag coleslaw mix: Provides a crunchy, fresh base that adds great texture and volume.
6 ounces broccoli slaw or shredded carrots: Adds a sweet crunch and visual vibrancy to the salad.
2 cups chopped cooked chicken: Brings protein and a savory element to satisfy your hunger.
3 green onions, thinly sliced: Offers mild onion flavor and a touch of color.
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous punch that lifts the whole salad.
2/3 cup salted cashews or peanuts: Provides a salty crunch, complementing the other textures beautifully.
Juice from 1 lime (about 2 Tablespoons): Gives a fresh, zesty acidity that’s crucial for the dressing.
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh grated ginger: Infuses warmth and a spicy note to the salad’s flavor profile.
3 Tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens the dressing.
3 Tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness balancing the acidity and spice.
2 Tablespoons gluten free soy sauce: Introduces a salty umami depth essential to this Asian-inspired salad.
1 teaspoon sambal oelek or another type of Asian spicy sauce: Provides just the right kick of heat without overpowering.
6 Tablespoons avocado oil or another type of neutral-tasting oil: Smoothly binds the dressing ingredients and adds richness.

How to Make Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe

A clear glass measuring cup filled with a brown, slightly thick liquid being stirred by a spoon held by a woman's hand with pink nail polish on a white marbled surface. Around the cup, there is a squeezed lime cut into two halves with a greenish-yellow, textured interior. There are metal measuring spoons resting on the surface near the cup, and a piece of fresh ginger root on a metal grater is partially visible in the top left corner. A jar with a gold lid is placed on the right side of the frame. The scene is well-lit and has a casual, kitchen setting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, broccoli slaw or shredded carrots, chopped cooked chicken, thinly sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and chopped cashews or peanuts. This colorful mix forms the vibrant foundation of your salad, loaded with great texture and flavor contrasts.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small liquid measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the lime juice, freshly grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, gluten free soy sauce, sambal oelek, and avocado oil. Make sure to whisk until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth. This luscious dressing brings together sweet, tangy, spicy, and umami notes that define the character of this Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, then toss everything thoroughly to coat every bite with that irresistible flavor. The nuts and fresh herbs make sure each forkful sings with bold textures and tastes.

Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill

You can dig right in, enjoying the crisp freshness at its peak, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an even more delightful dish when served cold.

How to Serve Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe

Garnishes

Consider topping your salad with additional chopped nuts, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or some finely sliced fresh chili for an extra pop of color and crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves added just before serving intensify the fragrant herbaceous notes.

Side Dishes

This Chinese Chop Salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or light vegetable stir-fry to round out a meal. For a heartier occasion, serve alongside crispy spring rolls or grilled dumplings to keep the Asian theme vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve this salad in individual lettuce cups or crunchy wonton bowls. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass trifle bowl allows the colors to shine through and tantalize the eyes before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them airtight in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the salad chilled to preserve the crunch of the veggies and the integrity of the dressing. It’s best to give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because the fresh vegetables and dressing do not hold up well to freezing and thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold and celebrated for its crunch and fresh flavors, it’s best not reheated. If you want to warm the chicken separately, do so before adding it to a freshly made salad batch for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe. Just chop it up and toss it in to save time and add great flavor.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the cooked chicken for crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas to keep it hearty and flavorful while maintaining that great salad texture.

Can I substitute the cashews with other nuts?

Definitely. While salted cashews or peanuts provide the best crunch and flavor, you can use almonds, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

What can I use if I don’t have sambal oelek?

If sambal oelek is unavailable, you can substitute with another Asian chili paste, Sriracha, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, keep the dressing separate until just before serving if preparing ahead. Store the salad components chilled and mix in the dressing right before you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate — vibrant, fresh, satisfying, and loaded with textures and flavors that make every bite memorable. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends, it’s a recipe that’s as easy to prepare as it is to love. Give it a try and let this salad become a favorite go-to for your weeknight meals or next casual get-together!

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Chinese Chop Salad (Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need