Asian Chicken Salad

Bring a delightful twist to your weekly salad rotation with our Test Kitchen-approved Asian chicken salad. Crispy breaded chicken tenders are not only convenient but also provide a satisfying crunch in every bite, while the mix of romaine and coleslaw offers a fresh, crisp base to this salad. The star of the show, however, is the easy homemade dressing that’s a perfect balance of creamy, sweet and nutty, elevating the salad from good to delicious.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation—it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, with simple swaps such as using grilled chicken or adding mandarin oranges, you can easily adapt this Asian chicken salad to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand.

Ingredients for Asian Chicken Salad

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• Chicken: Frozen breaded chicken tenders provide a crispy and convenient savory protein base for the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess to the dressing, balancing the tangy and sweet flavors of the other ingredients.
• Honey: Honey helps to sweeten the dressing and balances the tangy vinegar.
• Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar imparts mild acidity that’s characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a slight tang and depth of flavor to the dressing.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil provides a nutty flavor that’s quintessential in Asian cooking. Use toasted sesame oil for a deeper flavor profile.
• Salad greens: Hearts of romaine salad mix and coleslaw mix add a fresh, crisp base for this Asian chicken salad recipe.
• Chow mein noodles: Crispy chow mein noodles are the crunchy topping for the salad.
• Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nutty flavor and additional crunch.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the chicken

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Cook the frozen breaded chicken tenders according to the package directions.

Editor’s Tip: For extra crispiness, cook the chicken tenders in an air fryer—you’ll end up with tenders with a crunchier exterior and juicy interior.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing

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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard and sesame oil. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Editor’s Tip: For a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

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In a large bowl, combine the hearts of romaine salad mix and the coleslaw mix. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Add chicken and toppings

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Divide the dressed salad among four plates. Cut the cooked chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and place them on top of the salads. Sprinkle each salad with crispy chow mein noodles and toasted almonds.

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Recipe Variations

• Use other proteins: Substitute grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken for the breaded chicken tenders for a lighter option of this Asian chicken salad.
• Add mandarin oranges: Add mandarin orange slices for a burst of citrusy sweetness and to amp up the vitamin C content of this salad.
• Use different greens: Replace the romaine with baby spinach or mixed greens for a different base to this salad.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition. Sliced water chestnuts will also give it an extra crunch and Asian-inspired flair.
• Increase the spice: Add a teaspoon of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy version of this Asian-inspired salad.

How to Store Asian Chicken Salad

For best results, store the components of this salad separately. Keep the greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator and store the chicken, crispy noodles, salad dressing and nuts separately to maintain their texture. This salad will keep for up to two days in the fridge.

Can you make Asian chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep components of this salad ahead of time. Cook the chicken, prepare the dressing and chop any additional vegetables up to a day in advance—but wait to toss the salad until just before serving. Store everything separately and assemble when you’re ready to serve to ensure everything stays fresh and crispy.

Asian Chicken Salad Tips

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How can I make this Asian chicken salad more nutritious?

To make a lighter version of this Asian chicken salad, use grilled chicken breast instead of breaded chicken tenders. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the dressing to amp up the protein, and add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers or cucumber.

What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?

If you don’t have chow mein noodles on hand, you can try crushed uncooked instant ramen noodles, rice noodles or even tortilla strips for a similar crunchy texture.

What can you serve with Asian chicken salad?

While this salad is hearty on its own, you can serve it with a side of garlic fried rice, a bowl of miso soup or alongside any one of these 40 restaurant-inspired wok recipes.