Name: The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 large head of romaine or butter lettuce; ½ small head red cabbage; ½ small head Napa cabbage; 2 to 3 large carrots, grated; 3 green onions, chopped; ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro; 1 cup cooked edamame beans; 1 cup canned mandarins, drained of juices; ¼ cup sliced almonds; 1 cup wonton crisps; ¼ cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame seed oil; 1 to 2 tbsp honey; 1 pressed garlic clove; 1 tsp grated or pureed ginger; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp cooking oil (for frying); ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp sesame seed oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 5 to 6 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed; 1 tbsp ginger, pureed or grated; 1½ tbsp cornstarch (or 1 tbsp arrowroot powder); 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you're craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with delightful textures and flavors, you have to try The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe. This salad balances tender, juicy teriyaki chicken with crunchy cabbage, crisp almonds, and a zesty, slightly sweet dressing that brings the whole dish together like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. Every bite bursts with freshness and just the right amount of savory goodness that will leave you reaching for seconds and eager to share this gem with your friends and family.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate holds six thick slices of golden brown chicken arranged in a slight arc, each piece glazed with a shiny, sticky dark orange sauce. The chicken looks tender and juicy with a smooth texture on the inside and a caramelized surface on top. To the side of the chicken is a small pile of thin, bright orange carrot strips mixed with a few green herb leaves, adding a fresh contrast. A few scattered green herb leaves also dot the top of the chicken slices. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a key role: fresh vegetables add crispness and color, the chicken brings a satisfying heartiness, and the dressing ties everything together with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Romaine or butter lettuce: Provides a tender, crunchy green base that's refreshing and light.

Red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with softer textures.
Napa cabbage: Offers a milder crunch and subtle sweetness, balancing the salad perfectly.
Carrots: Grated for a pop of brightness and natural sweetness that lifts the salad.

Green onions: Bring a sharp, fresh bite that awakens the palate.
Cilantro: Adds fragrant herbal notes that elevate the dish's complexity.
Cooked edamame beans: Contribute protein and a pleasant popping texture.

Canned mandarins (drained): Provide juicy, sweet bursts that contrast the savory elements.
Sliced almonds: Give a toasty crunch and nutty flavor to each forkful.
Wonton crisps: The ultimate crispy topping that adds satisfying crunch at serving.

Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, honey: These combine to form a perfectly balanced Asian-style dressing.
Garlic and ginger: Infuse the dressing and chicken marinade with warmth and zest.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle throughout for a subtle nutty aroma and beautiful visual appeal.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Marinated and glazed to juicy, flavorful perfection.
Cooking oil: For searing the chicken to achieve that lovely browned crust.
Brown sugar, cornstarch, water: Essential for making the rich teriyaki glaze that clings to the chicken.

How to Make The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame seed oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create your flavorful teriyaki marinade. This combination will infuse your chicken with that iconic sweet and savory Asian flair. Place your chicken breasts in a deep dish or Ziplock bag, pour over the marinade, and let them soak up those wonderful flavors for at least one hour, or ideally overnight. This marinating step is what transforms plain chicken into a juicy, glazed delight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, dry the chicken slightly to ensure a beautiful sear. Heat your pan on medium-high and sear each side of the chicken breasts until golden brown — this caramelization locks in juices and flavor. Next, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and let it simmer briefly to reduce slightly. Finish cooking the chicken in a preheated oven until it reaches the perfect juicy temperature of 165F (74C). The result is tender, flavorful chicken glazed with a luscious teriyaki sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything!

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

While the chicken cooks, get your vegetables ready. Shred the red and Napa cabbage thinly, and chop your romaine or butter lettuce into strips to create a crunchy, fresh base. Add grated carrots, chopped green onions, cilantro, cooked edamame, sliced almonds, and mandarin segments into a large bowl. This rainbow of veggies and toppings delivers a satisfying crunch, herbal brightness, and subtle sweetness that make every bite exciting and fresh.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

The dressing is the magic that unites all the components. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds. This mix is perfectly balanced with hints of tang, sweetness, and heat, making your salad irresistibly flavorful. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it well so every leaf and bite is coated in this vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the dressed salad into large bowls and add a generous handful of wonton crisps right before serving for that unbeatable crunch. Slice the teriyaki chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange on top. Sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and aroma. This final assembly highlights the beautiful layers of flavor and texture that make The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe such a standout meal.

How to Serve The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe

The dish is a colorful salad served in a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth partially underneath. The bottom layer of the salad is made up of shredded green lettuce and purple cabbage, mixed with thin orange carrot strips. Scattered throughout are bright green edamame beans and pieces of leafy green herbs. There are also small orange segments spread across the salad. On top of all these layers is a pile of light tan crispy fried strips, adding texture. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the salad, and a pair of metal chopsticks rests on the white bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding wonton crisps just before serving brings a perfect crispy contrast to the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and gorgeous finishing touch, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens every forkful with fragrant herbal notes.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main dish but pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice. For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls or a warm bowl of hot miso soup for a comforting balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the salad in individual clear glass bowls or on large beautiful platters to showcase its colorful layers. You can also turn it into a filling wrap using large lettuce leaves or rice paper rolls, making it a portable yet fresh snack or lunch option that’s bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe left, store the salad (without the wonton crisps and dressing) in an airtight container to keep the greens crisp. Keep the dressing and chicken separate to avoid sogginess. The cooked chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the salad itself isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken separately. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before adding to your fresh salad components.

Reheating

Reheat the teriyaki chicken in a pan over low-medium heat or in the oven until warmed through, being careful not to dry it out. After reheating, simply toss the chicken into freshly prepared salad and dressing for a quick and delicious meal.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for ease, you can use thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. Adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for safe consumption.

Is it necessary to use both types of cabbage?

Using both red and Napa cabbage adds a beautiful blend of colors and textures—red cabbage gives crunch and bold color, while Napa cabbage is softer and sweet. However, if you prefer, just one type will work fine.

Can I make the salad vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, this salad is very versatile! Simply omit the chicken and add extra edamame or tofu for protein. You can also substitute the teriyaki glaze ingredients with vegan-friendly alternatives to keep those bold flavors intact.

What if I don’t have wonton crisps? Can I substitute?

Wonton crisps add wonderful crunch, but if you don’t have them, crispy fried noodles or toasted nuts like cashews or peanuts make excellent substitutes to maintain that crisp texture.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

To keep everything fresh and crunchy, it’s best to prepare the chicken and dressing in advance but assemble the salad just before serving. Store salad ingredients separately and add dressing and wonton crisps at the last minute.

Final Thoughts

The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures that brightens any meal. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick lunch or a stunning dinner centerpiece. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will become a go-to recipe for impressing guests or satisfying your own cravings with something fresh, healthy, and utterly delicious.

The Best Asian Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need