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Home » Recipes » Lunch » Salad + Dressing » Asian Chicken Salad

Jul 23, 2009(updated May 11, 2022)

Asian Chicken Salad

4.95 from 17 votes
By Dani Spies
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.

This easy Asian Chicken Salad combines crunchy romaine and fresh cabbage with juicy chicken, sliced almonds, crisp veggies, sweet mandarin oranges, and an irresistible Asian dressing. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad recipe is satisfying and delicious.

Asian Chicken Salad in a large white bowl.

Now, just because this is a salad doesn’t mean we are missing out on flavor. In fact, this salad explodes with flavor in every bite! The homemade vinaigrette, sliced almonds, grilled chicken, and veggies make for a filling and satisfying meal. 

Ingredients needed

This Asian salad is satisfying and delicious. Each bite is packed with different flavors and textures, and it’s easy to eat. This salad is gluten & grain-free, easily made vegan (just leave the chicken off), and might just be your new favorite meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Romaine lettuce + cabbage – I like to use a mix of romaine and cabbage as the base for this salad, but you can use any leafy greens you like. A mixture of arugula, baby kale, spinach, iceberg, lettuce varieties, or a spring mix would also work well.
  • Red bell pepper – For extra crunch and flavor. Feel free to use orange or yellow pepper, if that’s what you have.
  • Carrots – shredded into thin strips for color and more crunch.
  • Cucumber – I like to julienne my cucumber to complement the shredded carrots in terms of shape and texture.
  • Scallions – Adds a sharp, somewhat spicy, peppery flavor. 
  • Mandarin orange segments – To keep things easy, we grab mandarin oranges in a can (without added sugar). Alternatively, use fresh clementines in place of the canned mandarins. Peel the clementines, segment them, and add those to the salad.
  • Sliced almonds – These almonds can be thrown right from the bag into the salad or you can toast them if you’d like. See “tips” below for more info.
  • Asian grilled chicken breast – Sticky, sweet & spicy Asian grilled chicken with a flavorful soy-ginger glaze is the perfect addition to this salad. Grab the recipe HERE.
  • Asian salad dressing – This is the secret ingredient that makes this salad so good. Find out how to make it HERE.
Ingredients to make an Asian salad.

How to make this salad recipe

This Asian chicken salad recipe could not be easier to make at home! Just prep your ingredients ahead of time, and combine romaine and cabbage in a large bowl before tossing in the peppers, carrots, cucumber, and scallions.

Divide the salad into four servings, toss each serving with about two tablespoons of salad dressing and then top each salad with a quarter of the chicken, oranges, and almonds. Alternatively, you could do this in one big bowl as well. 

Adding vegetables to a large white bowl.
Pouring dressing over a grilled chicken salad.

Tips for recipe success

  • Asian dressing. Make the salad dressing first, so that it has plenty of time to sit and marinate before serving. You can make it up to a couple of days ahead of time and use it in other recipes like wraps, as a grilling marinade, or as a dipping sauce. 
  • To toast almonds. This step is optional, but will really bring out the flavor. Place the almonds in a single layer in a dry heavy skillet and stir them around on medium-low heat. It only takes about 2-3 minutes (sometimes less depending on how much heat they are getting) until they are toasted and smell quite fragrant. Make sure you are stirring them around and watching constantly so they don’t have a chance to burn!
  • Only add dressing to the salad if it will be consumed immediately. If the romaine sits in the dressing, the leaves will eventually wilt.  Dress this salad right before serving!
  • Make ahead. To save time before dinner; I recommend making the chicken and dressing a day or so in advance. This makes the final assembly super easy!

Variations

Looking for ways to customize this Asian salad? It’s super versatile! Here are some options:

  • Spice it up. Add some minced jalapeño or serrano chili peppers. Cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes would also work!
  • Change up the protein. Tofu, shrimp, salmon, and even skirt steak would be delicious here.
  • Make it vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Simply leave off the chicken and bulk it up to add a plant-based protein – tofu or chickpeas would be great additions.
  • Amp up the veggies. Thinly sliced red onions, avocado, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, or shaved Brussels sprouts would be tasty. This is a great way to clean out that vegetable crisper!
  • Serve this salad as a wrap. Simply layer the toppings inside a big leaf of romaine lettuce or tortilla, roll, and dip into the Asian dressing. 

How to store

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge, so the greens and veggies don’t wilt. You could also store all of the ingredients in separate containers to maximize freshness. The veggies should last up to a week, and the chicken will last for 5 days.

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 7 days. To enjoy it at room temperature, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to use, and be sure to shake or stir well before using.

 

More salad recipes

Looking for more easy salad recipes? Give these favs a try:

  • Italian Pasta Salad
  • Rotisserie Chicken Salad
  • Cucumber, Tomato, Onion Salad
  • Red Cabbage Salad
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad

Thanks so much for reading! If you make this recipe I would love for you to give it a ★ rating below.  And be sure to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration. Cheers!

Asian Chicken Salad in a large white bowl.
Print Recipe
4.95 from 17 votes

Asian Chicken Salad

This easy Asian Chicken Salad combines romaine and cabbage with juicy chicken, sliced almonds, crisp veggies, sweet mandarin oranges, and an irresistible Asian dressing. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad recipe is satisfying as well as tasty. 
Course: salad + dressing
Cuisine: Asian, gluten free, low carb + keto
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 139kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 heart romaine lettuce thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 red pepper cut into thin strips
  • 2 carrots cut into thin strips
  • ½ cucumber cut into thin strips
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments
  • 4 tbsp sliced almonds
  • Asian Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Asian Salad Dressing

Instructions

  • Combine romaine and cabbage in a large bowl before tossing in the peppers, carrots, cucumber, and scallions.
  • Toss each serving with two tablespoons of salad dressing and then top each salad with a quarter of the chicken, oranges, and almonds. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information does not include dressing or chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25salad | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6790IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg

Gluten Free, Low Carb + Keto, Recipes, Salad + Dressing

About Dani Spies

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

Yum! I love this recipe.

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    If you loved this recipe please leave a comment and star rating below. Questions are also welcome. Cheers!

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Evelyn Wenzel says

    July 26, 2009 at 7:47 am

    5 stars
    Just an FYI, this does look delicious but I know you are trying to breastfeed and cabbage can really lower your milk supply, cooked or raw (or they even suggest topical if you are engorged…). Anyway, just thought you should know if you don’t already.

    Reply
  2. Dad says

    July 26, 2009 at 8:07 am

    5 stars
    Don’t see the oranges or almonds in the ingredirnt list.

    Reply
  3. Dani says

    July 26, 2009 at 10:51 am

    5 stars
    Evelyn – I did NOT know that! Thanks so much for the scoop:).

    Dad – Thanks… I fixed it. Can I use lack of sleep as an excuse??

    Reply
  4. Kevin says

    July 27, 2009 at 2:33 am

    5 stars
    That is one nice looking chicken salad!

    Reply
  5. Phoo-D says

    July 27, 2009 at 6:17 am

    5 stars
    This looks wonderful! I have fond childhood memories of enjoying a similar salad at the Nordstrom’s Cafe with my mother whenever we would go shopping. Can’t wait to try this out!

    Reply
  6. Wani says

    July 27, 2009 at 10:58 am

    5 stars
    So happy you posted this Dani! I really don’t like salads unless it’s made with spinach or cabbage so this is perfect!
    I looove Asian salads. It’s the only salad I’ll order if I go out. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Marcia says

    July 28, 2009 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    Dani this salad looks delish! Can’t wait to try this thanks!

    Reply
  8. Dani says

    July 28, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    5 stars
    Kevin – It tastes really good too:)!

    Phoo-D – Hope you like it!

    Wani – If you like Asian salads… you’ll definitely like this!

    Marcia – Can’t wait to hear what you think.

    Reply
  9. Ashleigh Kellie says

    August 4, 2009 at 11:52 am

    5 stars
    Cool salad. I just happened to have bought most of these ingredients today. Thanks.

    Reply
  10. Annie says

    August 5, 2009 at 7:02 am

    5 stars
    Tried this last night and it’s a keeper!

    This recipe is going in the front of my book!!!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    September 21, 2009 at 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    Made this on the weekend and it is my new favourite salad. I love the combination of vegetables and the dressing is so good. I just started making some of your recipes and I have to tell you I’m hooked. I don’t know what to make next!!!

    Reply
  12. Dee says

    February 16, 2010 at 11:54 pm

    5 stars
    This is AMAZING!!

    Reply
  13. Dona Sheehan says

    April 22, 2014 at 6:39 am

    5 stars
    Thanks fir saving me from my own lack of imagination!!!! This will be what’s for dinner for my three local granddaughters tonight and big win/win….I know they’ll love helping assemble it!!!!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      Love that!! I hope you all enjoy it;)

      Reply
  14. alyssa says

    May 1, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    5 stars
    What is plus?

    Reply

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