This is the crunchy, fresh, addictively dressed lunch salad that beats every chain restaurant version. Shredded cabbage, diced chicken, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, fresh cilantro — all tossed in a homemade sesame ginger dressing that's better than store-bought. Twenty-five minutes, six servings, meal-preps for the week. Healthy AND satisfying.
Fun fact: "Chinese chicken salad" was popularized in California in the 1960s by celebrity chef Cecilia Chiang at her restaurant The Mandarin in San Francisco. It's not actually a traditional Chinese dish — it's a Chinese-American invention. The Cheesecake Factory version (with crispy wontons and sesame dressing) became the most-copied restaurant chain salad of the 2000s.
Why this recipe works
- NAPA + RED CABBAGE. Napa cabbage is softer and sweeter; red cabbage adds color and bite. Together = balance.
- MAKE THE DRESSING ahead. Sesame ginger dressing tastes better after 30 min of resting — flavors meld. Make it FIRST, then prep the rest.
- DRESS RIGHT BEFORE SERVING. Cabbage holds dressing well, but if you dress too early the wontons and almonds go soggy. Toss at the table.
Nutrition information
- Calories: 510 kcal per serving
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
Pro tips for the best asian chicken salad
- USE rotisserie chicken. Skip raw chicken cooking — pull a rotisserie chicken, shred it. Tastes better, saves 20 minutes.
- MEAL-PREP version. Layer cabbage, carrots, chicken in containers; keep dressing, almonds, noodles separate. Combine at lunch.
- Substitute peanuts/cashews. If almonds aren't your thing, use roasted cashews or peanuts. Same crunch.
- MAKE IT VEGAN. Sub chicken for crispy tofu or edamame. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Same dressing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Sub chow mein noodles for crushed rice crackers. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check that all sauces are GF.
How long does the dressing keep?
1 week in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake before using.
Why no lettuce?
Cabbage holds dressing better and stays crunchy for days. Lettuce wilts almost immediately. Pure cabbage is the move.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes — edamame, snow peas, bell pepper, water chestnuts all great. Avocado works but add right before eating.
Is this filling enough for dinner?
Yes — chicken + almonds + cabbage is substantial. Serves 6 as main, 8 as side.
