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My Asian chicken salad recipe features juicy chicken tenders tossed with crisp vegetables and a tangy, creamy Asian dressing. It’s our most made salad.
If your family loves fresh Asian flavors as much as mine does, try my Asian cucumber salad or summer rolls next!
Table of Contents
My family knows I’m not much of a salad eater, and if I’m going to make one, it has to have a lot of flavor and a crunchy texture. Oh, and protein is non-negotiable!
Que, my Chinese chicken salad recipe. After trying a decent but not memorable version of this salad at Applebee’s, I knew I could make a far tastier version at home. Now, it’s my family’s favorite salad recipe! Well, I guess it’s a tie between this and my kani salad…
Why I love this recipe
- Loaded with texture. Like my ramen noodles salad, this salad explodes with crunchy, crispy textures and a creamy dressing to tie it all together.
- Make it ahead. I usually keep the dressing and vegetables separate, then toss them together whenever I’m hungry. Everything will stay fresh for up to three days!
- Nutritious. There’s lean protein, healthy fats, and tons of fiber.
Key ingredients
- Chicken tenders. As pictured, I make either my breaded chicken cutlets, panko chicken, or air fryer chicken cutlets. For something sans-breading, I like to use grilled chicken tenders. If you don’t have tenders, use baked chicken breast instead. Of course, store-bought tenders work just as well.
- Chopped vegetables. For maximum color and texture, I used a mixture of napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, romaine lettuce, and greens. Feel free to omit or swap any of these veggies as desired.
- Almonds. Slivered almonds for more crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sesame seeds. A must for Asian-style cooking!
- Crispy chow mein noodles (optional). While not the healthiest salad topping, I like the texture and flavor they add.
For the salad dressing:
- Almond butter. To provide a creamy base for the dressing. If you have a bag of almonds in your pantry, try my homemade almond butter!
- Chilli sauce. For spice. Add more or less, depending on your preference.
- Soy sauce. To add a savory and salty flavor to the sauce. You can use coconut aminos for a gluten-free dressing or low-sodium soy sauce if you’re cutting back on salt.
- Ketchup. Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper. For some heat. This is completely optional and I tend to only add this if I’m making it for myself.
- Water. To thin out the sauce.
How to make Asian chicken salad
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep the chicken. Prepare the chicken tenders as needed and slice them into chunks.
Step 2- Mix the dressing. Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake until smooth. Add water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 3- Toss. Toss the veggies in a large bowl with half of the dressing. Add the chicken and toss to combine.
Step 4- Serve. Serve the salad in bowls with extra dressing and garnish.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Save time. When I’m on a time crunch, I’ll use a pre-made slaw mix instead of chopping the veggies by hand, and I’ll use rotisserie chicken.
- Taste the dressing first. So you can add any extra salt or pepper as needed.
- Garnish. Top the salad with cashews and cilantro for added flavor.
Variations
- Nut-free. Use tahini instead of nut butter.
- Aromatics. Whisk freshly minced garlic or ginger into the dressing.
- Oranges. When I have canned Mandarin oranges on hand, I find they add a lovely citrus flavor and aroma. Just make sure to use juice-packed ones, as they’re the sweetest.
- Extra veggies. Add snap peas, red bell pepper, or green onions.
- Vegetarian. Swap the chicken for tofu or edamame beans.
Frequently asked questions
You can make the dressing and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Asian Chicken Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 2 chicken tenders pre-cooked or homemade * See notes
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 tablespoon slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup crispy noodles optional
Asian chicken salad dressing
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoon chilli sauce
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your crispy chicken tenders as instructed. Slice into bite sized pieces and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Using a tablespoon, add water until a thick dressing is formed. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped veggies and mix well. Add half the dressing and mix through until all the veggies are coated. Add the chopped chicken and mix until fully combined.
- Serve in bowls and top with extra dressing, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds.
Notes
Nutrition
More protein-packed salads
Originally published September 2023, updated and republished January 2025
Hm I see now it is really Asian dish. Sesames and all other ingredients. Perfect meal really.
Made a salad with what was in the fridge, then the dressing as written. Delicious! I scooped up some dressing with garlic flatbread, and next I’m going to dip into it with popcorn.
What type of chili sauce did you use?
I used a sweet chilli sauce, but any would work (sriracha, chilli garlic etc)
I love when you go savory.
🙂 Thanks love!
KETCHUP is my life. I like my food with my ketchup.
But yay for this recipe – it looks delicious, and I love seeing some green on the blog 😛 hehe <3
LOL.
EAT THIS FROM THE FRIDGE
I love Thanksgiving leftovers to make sandwiches with. It is the only time of year I put cranberry sauce on my sammie. I love the stuff from the can that retains it’s shape. Don’t judge, it’s great. I always try to catch some of the parade. My favorite part are the musical acts that take place over the Macy’s symbol. I wouldn’t want to see it live though, cold and angry New Yorkers are not nice. This is one thing that is better on TV
Ohhh I love turkey and cranberry sandwiches- It’s one of the staple ‘sauces’ in Australia!
Ohhh I love how you incorporated the Gardein turkey into an Asian-style salad. My Japanese heart is happy ;). Call me a bad American, but I’ve never watched the parade in person or on TV. Eating Thanksgiving food in a restaurant sounds like a lot better of a deal than standing outside in the cold to me haha
Hahahaa NOOOOO. My non-Japanese heart is not happy…purely because I want searing hot ramen from Shinjuku!
I wouldn’t miss the parade…on TV that is 🙂 and that dressing sounds SO good!!
hahaha AMEN! Thanks Heather!
I think it was way back in 2005 or 2006 when my daughter and I caught the Macy’s Day Parade in NYC – we did get there early and were right up front next to this incredibly interesting older man who told us that he had never missed the parade in all his 89 years! Phenomenal eh?
Arman – speaking of phenomenal, this here is one phenomenal salad – and WOA, what an epic dressing indeed – BTW IMO Wonton skins are never optional 🙂
oh WOW! that is incredible- I would have enjoyed hearing that over the parade!
We have the parade on t.v. every year. I love a good ol’ turkey sandwich or turkey noodle soup with the leftovers. So yummy! This salad is making me drool all over my computer.
😀 I think you have to push through 30 pies today 😀
Vegan “chicken” salad sounds fantastic. I think it would be fun to get up close and personal at the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 🙂
Hahaha if you get a good spot, it is pretty darn awesome!
thanksgiving is not something i grew up with so i am not too crazy about the turkey. im more into sides…i have not seen the Macy’s day parade but i can image the crowd in NYC at time of the year.
It is insane but quite enjoyable! 🙂
I’m someone who THINKS going to the parade in person would be fun, and then I’d get there and be so annoyed by the large crowds. Actually, I never even watch the parade on TV, or if I do it’s just on in the background. Conclusion: my holiday spirit is lacking. Clearly.
Hahahaha we are on the same wavelength!
I would love to see the Macy’s parade live some day! It’s my favorite thing to do Thanksgiving morning at home- sip coffee by the fire and count how many times a color guard girl drops her baton.
I don’t usually end up with a lot of Thanksgiving leftovers, but sandwiches and salads are the most popular in my house when I do have them.
LOL. Omg. I need to watch it now purely for that…on your new TV! 😀
Dear Arman, this looks absolutely wonderful! The chicken looks great…I could eat this whole bowl up.
We sometimes watch the parade, but most times, I am too busy in the kitchen preparing for the company. I pull double duty on Thanksgiving because it is also my son’s birthday!
Have a wonderful day my friend, Catherine
Oh wow- What a lucky son- He’d think the entire feast is for him 😀
Hope you have a fantastic day today, Catherine!
I like the sound of the dressing!
My firm plan for Thanksgiving in NYC is to stay away from Time Square and any store. Your poor friend! A shoe in the face is not on my NCY bucket list 😉
hahahaha hope your away from there today!
Oh, the parade is a staple in our house every Thanksgiving morning. And here’s a little secret that I haven’t shared with anyone yet: my lifelong goal is to be the Santa at the end of the parade. Do you think you can use your connections to help make that happen? Also, food does cure all! And I’m going to drown my sorrow about not being Santa in this Asian Chicken Salad. Delicious!
Oh man, I would line up at 2am to see that……Okay maybe not 2am! Why not Hello Kitty? You’d fulfill that role better!
I’ve never watched the parade, always prefer to be warm and eating with family 🙂 and I love making salads with leftover turkey!
They are such a good vehicle for it!