The Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is fresh, bright and full of flavor. I love this salad because it feels light yet very filling. You get tender chicken, crunchy veggies and a tasty dressing in one bowl.
This Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is also great for meal prep and busy days. You can serve it at parties or simple family dinners. If you love easy food, you will love this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
I made this salad on a warm day and it felt perfect. The colors were bright and the smell was amazing. The crunchy cabbage and carrots added fun texture in every bite. The dressing tasted sweet, tangy and a little nutty.
My family loved it and asked for more bowls. I felt happy because the recipe was simple and stress free. It quickly became one of my favorite salads to make.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Salad
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Calories: About 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan or pot
- Tongs or salad spoons
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thin slices
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup crispy noodles or wonton strips
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook and shred the chicken
Boil or bake chicken until tender and fully cooked. Let it cool and shred into thin pieces.
2. Prepare the vegetables
Wash all vegetables very well. Slice cabbage, carrots, peas and peppers into thin strips for good crunch.
3. Make the dressing
Add mayonnaise, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger and garlic in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine salad ingredients
Put shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, peppers, peas and green onions in a large mixing bowl together.
5. Add the dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture slowly. Toss everything gently until each piece is lightly coated.
6. Add crunch on top
Sprinkle sesame seeds and crispy noodles or wonton strips. Mix a little or leave on top for crunch.
7. Chill before serving
Place the bowl in the fridge for fifteen minutes. Flavors blend better and salad tastes fresher after chilling.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Use fresh cabbage for the best crunch
- Do not overcook chicken or it gets dry
- Chill the salad before serving
- Taste dressing and adjust sweetness or salt
- Slice vegetables into equal thin pieces
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much dressing and making salad soggy
- Using warm chicken which wilts vegetables
- Skipping sesame oil because it adds strong flavor
- Not drying vegetables after washing them
- Storing with noodles mixed in, they lose crunch
Serving Suggestions
This salad works great for lunch, dinner or parties. You can serve it in a big bowl for sharing or in small personal bowls. It also tastes nice with soup, bread or steamed rice on the side.
You can pack it for picnics or office lunch because it stays fresh. The bright colors also make the table look lovely and inviting.
Variations You Can Try
- Use grilled chicken instead of boiled chicken
- Add oranges or mandarin slices for sweetness
- Add almonds or cashews for extra crunch
- Use purple cabbage only for stronger color
- Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store salad in an airtight container
- Keep dressing separate if storing overnight
- Refrigerate for up to three days
- Do not freeze this salad
- Add crispy noodles only before serving
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Health Benefits
This salad is light yet very satisfying. Chicken gives good lean protein that helps keep you full longer. The cabbage, carrots and peppers add vitamins, fiber and color to your diet.
The dressing uses healthy sesame oil which gives great flavor. This meal feels fresh, supports balanced eating, and still tastes fun and comforting.
Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper thin slices
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 cup sugar snap peas sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup crispy noodles or wonton strips
Instructions
Cook and shred the chicken
- Boil or bake chicken until tender and fully cooked. Let it cool and shred into thin pieces.
Prepare the vegetables
- Wash all vegetables very well. Slice cabbage, carrots, peas and peppers into thin strips for good crunch.
Make the dressing
- Add mayonnaise, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger and garlic in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Combine salad ingredients
- Put shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, peppers, peas and green onions in a large mixing bowl together.
Add the dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture slowly. Toss everything gently until each piece is lightly coated.
Add crunch on top
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and crispy noodles or wonton strips. Mix a little or leave on top for crunch.
Chill before serving
- Place the bowl in the fridge for fifteen minutes. Flavors blend better and salad tastes fresher after chilling.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for the best crunch
- Do not overcook chicken or it gets dry
- Chill the salad before serving
- Taste dressing and adjust sweetness or salt
- Slice vegetables into equal thin pieces
FAQs about Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and saves time. Just remove the skin, shred the meat and mix it into the salad with dressing and vegetables.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare ingredients earlier and keep them chilled. Store vegetables and chicken separately from the dressing to keep everything crisp and fresh until serving time.
3. What if I do not like mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter taste. It will still feel creamy and delicious while lowering total calories and adding protein content.
4. Can kids enjoy this salad?
Yes, kids usually enjoy the sweet dressing and crunchy noodles. You can reduce ginger or green onions if they like milder and simpler flavors in their food.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is simple, bright and delicious. It is perfect for busy families and beginners in cooking. The steps are easy and the ingredients are common in most kitchens.
If you wondered how to make Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad, now you can. Try it once and it may become your regular favorite. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!