This Asian chicken salad is crisp, fresh, and full of flavor! It consists of chopped salad, carrots, edamame, and crunchy chow mein noodles topped with soy-marinated chicken. YUM!
Who doesn’t love a salad you can feel with your teeth? That’s a strange phrase, but this is a funny chew.
Super crunchy cabbage/salad/lettuce/shredded Brussels (if you like), bright, crunchy carrots and almonds, and impeccably delicious chow mein. Chew all you want!
Then there’s the succulent chicken marinated in ginger, garlic, Indian curry, and soy sauce. Drizzle with your favorite Asian-style dressing, and you’re ready to work. (We love Panera’s; don’t get mad!) So, a lot. Smell.
While this isn’t a traditional salad that originated in Asia, it was likely born in California in the ’50s or ’60s (according to Wikipedia). It uses many flavors and ingredients inspired by pan-Asian cuisine. This is one of the menu favorites you always see, and we can’t put it down. Let’s do it!
In this article: Everything You Need for Asian Chicken Salad
Ingredients for this Asian chicken salad recipe
Does everyone like a big salad? You know, just piling everything together. Yes. A thing?! Chicken salad is one of them, and that’s what we’re here for.
Chew to mix:
- Chopped lettuce, salad or Brussels dishes
- Chopped almonds
- Chopped carrot
- Chopped coriander
- edamame
- The onion
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Chow mein (crisp kind!)
Marinated chicken:
- Chicken breast
- Soy sauce
- Minced ginger and garlic
- sugar
- 5 Spices (can also be divided into part Garam masala and part Cajun seasoning)
For dressings, use the bottled version of your choice! We love Panera’s Asian sesame seeds, but any will do! In the recipe notes, we offer a quick make-your-own version if you want to go the championship route.
Let’s make Asian chicken salad
It’s straightforward to put it all together, which is another reason why we love it so much! You’ll be eating lunch at your table soon.
- Chew repeatedly. Toss in all the salad ingredients — shallots, lettuce, almonds, carrots, coriander, edamame, and sesame seeds.
- The marinade: Whisk together the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and seasonings. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least an hour, then grill it! Once cool, shred it and add it to the salad pile.
Throw it away. Please pick up the condiments of your choice and throw them away! Save the chow mein until just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Asian chicken salad. It’s your call
Because this salad is a buffet of flavors and toppings, you can customize it entirely to your tastes and shopping list. Change the seasoning or make your own, or if you don’t like chicken, switch out the protein or skip the chicken altogether—it’s still a dream.
We like to use essential chews, whether it’s cabbage or salad, or for your benefit, try chopped Brussels sprouts. Eat up any extra vegetables around you, especially those that make you feel crunchy. Extra nuts? I should think so! Crispy chow mein? Absolutely.
Make it your way daily because this lunch/dinner/bedtime salad is the way to go.
Asian Chicken Salad: FAQ
How can I make my Asian flavor?
Recipes for homemade condiments can be found in the recipe card notes below.
Can I prepare a salad?
Crunchy vegetables are heartier than preparing meals, which should be good. Add the sauce and chow mein just before serving; otherwise, the moisture will cause the noodles to lose their al dente state.
I can’t find any Chinese spices. A submarine?
Yes, we do! Use Garam masala and Cajun seasoning instead.
- Toss in all the salad ingredients — shallots, lettuce, almonds, carrots, coriander, edamame, and sesame seeds.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar and seasonings. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 1 hour. Roast the chicken in the sauce at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked. Once the chicken has cooled, shred it and add it to the salad.
- Add your favorite seasoning and fried noodles before serving.
