Chinese Chicken-Cabbage Salad
A vibrant Chinese Chicken-Cabbage Salad combining tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, toasted almonds, and a tangy, savory dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side, this dish offers bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to fans of Asian-inspired cuisine and healthy eating.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and then cool, then shred or dice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (if using), and minced garlic to make the dressing.
- Chop the green onions and set aside.
- Shred the cabbage into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, cooked chicken, chopped green onions, and the contents of the Ramen soup mix (discard the seasoning packet).
- Add the slivered almonds and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to half a day before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute the olive oil with avocado oil, which has a similar flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar or use honey. For a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped bell peppers or carrots in addition to the cabbage. This salad can also be customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables from other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Chicken-Cabbage Salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner option. Serve it alongside some Quick Egg Drop Soup for a complete meal. You can also pair it with Stir-Fry Veggies And Chicken for a delicious combination. Top with additional sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become soggy over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain its juiciness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken-Cabbage Salad contains roughly 627 calories, with 22g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2177mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this salad. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the other ingredients. This not only saves time but also adds great flavor to the dish.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine everything and add the dressing when you're ready to eat. This way, you can enjoy fresh salads throughout the week.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even tofu for added protein. The dressing will still provide plenty of flavor to make a satisfying vegetarian dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).