The Ultimate Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad: Your New Favorite Asian-Inspired Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles
Chinese Chicken Salad is a culinary delight, perfectly blending vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in a refreshing fusion cuisine. This sensational side dish or light main meal features crispy Ramen noodles, aromatic Sesame oil, fresh green onions, and a crunchy coleslaw base, all brought together with a sweet and savory dressing. It’s an ideal accompaniment for a wide array of Asian-American blended meals, potlucks, and casual gatherings, promising a burst of flavor with every bite.
Known affectionately by many names, including “Asian Chicken Salad” or “Oriental Chicken Salad,” this delightful dish has captivated taste buds for decades. Its popularity soared in the 1960s, quickly becoming a staple in American homes and restaurants. Legend has it that even the iconic actor Cary Grant was a huge admirer of this particular meal, a testament to its timeless appeal and widespread adoration. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a piece of culinary history that continues to charm with its unique profile.
As a tried and true fusion side dish, Chinese Chicken Salad offers incredible versatility, making it a perfect companion for a diverse range of meals. The harmonious blend of nutty sesame flavors, both from the toasted sesame seeds in the salad and the rich sesame oil in the dressing, complements the other ingredients beautifully without ever becoming overpowering. Each element is carefully balanced, creating a symphony of tastes that excites the palate and leaves you craving more. It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and it’s utterly addictive.
Craving More Asian-Inspired Culinary Adventures?
If this Chinese Chicken Salad ignites your passion for Asian-inspired cuisine, you’re in for a treat! Explore other fantastic recipes that bring the vibrant flavors of Asia right to your kitchen. Be sure to try my Thai Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting and aromatic experience, or tantalize your taste buds with my Sweet Heat Asian Grilled Shrimp Skewers, perfect for grilling season or any time you want a burst of sweet and spicy flavor.
Why This Chinese Chicken Salad is a Family Favorite
Whenever I spot a salad like this at a potluck or family gathering, I know I have to make a beeline for it before it vanishes! There are countless recipes that aim to replicate this classic, but the one I’m sharing with you today is the cherished version I’ve always prepared at home. It originated from a wonderful cookbook gifted to me years ago by my mother-in-law, a special collection compiled by the Harlan, Iowa newspaper. This recipe holds a sentimental value for me, and I’m delighted to pass on its deliciousness to you.
I confess, I’m a huge fan of coleslaw in all its forms, and this recipe introduces a completely new and exciting dimension to enjoying it! The addition of tender chicken, crunchy ramen, and a zesty dressing transforms a simple coleslaw into an extraordinary culinary experience. Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly practical – it’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked chicken you might have on hand, or to elevate a store-bought Rotisserie Chicken into something truly special. It’s quick, easy, and minimizes food waste, making it a win-win!
What is Chinese Chicken Salad? Understanding This Fusion Favorite
Essential Ingredients for Your Best Chinese Chicken Salad
FOR THE SALAD: The Foundation of Flavor and Crunch
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender chicken is traditionally the star protein of this side dish, providing a hearty and satisfying element. You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts, or for ultimate convenience, use leftover cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. For those seeking a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken, or for a pescatarian twist, grilled shrimp or flaked salmon makes a wonderful substitute!
- Ramen Noodles: This is where the magic of the “crunch” truly comes alive! While ramen noodles are available in various flavors, the chicken flavor is highly recommended as its seasoning packet will be utilized in the dressing, ensuring a cohesive flavor profile throughout the dish. Remember, for this salad, the noodles are used uncooked and crumbled, providing an unparalleled crispness.
- Green Onions: Also known as scallions, these add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color. They enhance the savory notes from the ramen flavor packet and provide a delicate aromatic quality that brightens the entire salad.
- Water Chestnuts: These unique aquatic vegetables are crucial for delivering an extra layer of crisp, slightly sweet texture. Their distinctive crunch remains even when dressed, making them a vital component for the signature textural contrast of this salad.
- Coleslaw Mix: For ease and speed, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix, typically containing shredded cabbage and carrots, is a fantastic shortcut readily available at your local grocery store. Alternatively, you can achieve the same fresh results by shredding one head of green cabbage and two carrots yourself.
- Sesame Seeds: Preferably toasted, sesame seeds contribute a delightful nutty flavor and a subtle crunch. Toasting them gently in a dry pan beforehand intensifies their aroma and taste, perfectly complementing the sesame oil in the dressing. They add a sophisticated finishing touch to the salad.
- Slivered Almonds: These thin, elongated almond pieces add a rich, buttery crunch and a pleasant nutty depth. They can easily be replaced with toasted cashews or peanuts if you prefer a different nut profile or have them on hand.
FOR THE DRESSING: The Heart of the Flavor
- Vegetable Oil: This forms the essential base for our vibrant salad dressing, providing a neutral backdrop that allows the other flavors to truly shine. It helps to emulsify the dressing and carry the flavors evenly throughout the salad.
- Sesame Oil: The star of the dressing, sesame oil is key to elevating the distinct Asian-inspired flavors in this dish. Its rich, nutty, and slightly smoky aroma is instantly recognizable and absolutely essential for an authentic Chinese Chicken Salad experience.
- White Vinegar: Providing a crucial tangy counterpoint, white vinegar brightens the dressing and helps to cut through the richness of the oil and sweetness of the sugar. It also aids in balancing the overall flavor profile. For an even more authentic touch, rice wine vinegar is an excellent substitute that offers a slightly milder, sweeter acidity.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness is vital in this recipe, balancing out the salty and acidic flavors in the dressing. Granulated sugar brings a delightful sweetness that is characteristic of many popular Asian-American fusion dishes, making the dressing incredibly palatable and addictive.
- Ramen Seasoning: This secret ingredient is what truly brings the flavors of the salad and dressing together in perfect harmony. Using the chicken ramen seasoning packet from your uncooked noodles not only adds a savory umami depth but also cleverly ties the entire dish together. Ensure you use the chicken flavor packet for consistency!
How to Make Homemade Chinese Coleslaw Salad: A Simple Guide
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing to Perfection
Start by combining all the dressing ingredients – vegetable oil, sesame oil, white vinegar, granulated sugar, and the chicken ramen seasoning packet – in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk them vigorously until all the sugar has dissolved and the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. This ensures every spoonful of salad is coated with a perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Base and Dress
In a large mixing bowl, add your coleslaw mix, the diced cooked chicken, rough-chopped water chestnuts, and the sliced green onions. Pour the freshly prepared dressing evenly over these ingredients. Using tongs or large spoons, mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables and chicken are well coated with the flavorful dressing. This initial mix allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Introduce the Toasted Nuts and Seeds
Next, gently fold in the toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds. Give the salad another good stir to evenly distribute these crunchy, nutty elements throughout. These additions are vital for the salad’s distinctive texture and depth of flavor, offering a pleasant contrast to the crisp vegetables.
Step 4: Chill and Add Ramen Just Before Serving for Maximum Crunch
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or until you are ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen and meld, creating a more harmonious taste experience. This is a crucial step! Just before serving, and *only* then, stir in the uncooked, crumbled Ramen noodles. This will ensure that the noodles retain their delightful crispness and don’t become soggy, providing that signature, irresistible crunch that makes this Chinese Chicken Salad so uniquely satisfying.
Pro Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Salad Experience
Make-Ahead and Storage Advice
This salad is wonderful for meal prep! You can prepare the dressing and mix all the salad ingredients (chicken, coleslaw, water chestnuts, green onions, sesame seeds, almonds) a day in advance. Store the dressing separately or combine it with the main salad components. The key is to keep the uncooked ramen noodles completely separate until the very last minute before serving. This prevents them from softening and ensures that coveted crunch. Leftovers, if ramen is already added, might lose some crunch but will still be delicious for a day or two in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Customization and Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Chinese Chicken Salad! Add extra vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color and sweetness), shredded purple cabbage for a vibrant hue, or shelled edamame for more protein and a slightly different texture. Canned mandarin oranges, drained well, can add a lovely burst of sweet citrus. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha in the dressing can awaken the senses. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, cilantro or mint can offer a refreshing twist.
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t let this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Chinese-inspired recipe slip away! Make sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go. It’s perfect for future meal planning and sharing with friends and family!
Other Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes You Will Enjoy
If you’ve enjoyed this Chinese Chicken Salad, you’re sure to love these other fantastic Asian-inspired dishes from my collection. Each recipe brings unique flavors and textures, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:
- Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (pictured above) – A classic takeout favorite made simple and delicious at home.
- Sticky Asian Meatballs – Perfectly glazed and irresistibly savory, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser.
- Asian Beef, Mushrooms and Snow Peas – A quick and healthy stir-fry bursting with fresh flavors.
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole – A comforting and flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare.
- Basic Garlic Fried Rice – A staple side dish, simple yet incredibly aromatic and satisfying.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice – A healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice, packed with flavor.
- Beef Lo Mein – A hearty and savory noodle dish, perfect for a complete meal.
- Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen – A sophisticated yet easy dish featuring flavorful salmon atop a bed of crunchy slaw.
- Thai Shrimp & Rice Noodle Salad – A light, fresh, and zesty salad that’s perfect for warm weather.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to whip up this deliciously crunchy and incredibly flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how satisfying it is. Enjoy every crisp, savory, and sweet bite!
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Print Recipe
Chinese Chicken Salad
Equipment
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Oggi Mixing Bowl, 4 Quart
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
- FOR THE SALAD:
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and diced or shredded (e.g., from rotisserie chicken)
- 1 package chicken Ramen noodles uncooked, and crumbled (reserve seasoning packet for dressing)
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 8 ounce can water chestnuts, rough chopped
- 2 16 ounce packages of coleslaw mix with carrots (or 1 head cabbage and 2 carrots shredded)
- 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 2.25 ounce package slivered almonds (or cashews/peanuts)
- FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1/3 cup white vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package of chicken Ramen seasoning (from the noodles)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients (vegetable oil, sesame oil, white vinegar, granulated sugar, and the chicken ramen seasoning packet) together until well combined and sugar is dissolved.
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In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, cooked and diced chicken, water chestnuts, and sliced green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over these ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is well coated.
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Add in the toasted sesame seeds and slivered almonds. Stir again to evenly distribute the crunchy nuts and seeds.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Just before serving, stir in the uncooked, crumbled Ramen noodles. This critical step ensures the noodles remain wonderfully crunchy, providing the signature texture of this delicious salad!
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