Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Ina Garten: Crunchy Almonds and Sesame Dressing

This Chinese chicken salad delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy almonds creates a satisfying meal in every bite.

The sesame dressing ties everything together with its nutty, slightly sweet profile. I’ve refined this recipe to ensure the chicken stays moist while the vegetables maintain their crispness. It’s a dish that works for both lunch and dinner.

What makes this version special is the attention to detail in every component. The almonds add just the right amount of crunch, while the dressing coats each ingredient evenly without making the salad soggy.

Serve it on a bed of lettuce or in a wrap for a complete meal. Here’s how to make it right.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Ina Garten

Poached chicken, crisp veggies, and toasted almonds make this salad restaurant-worthy with every bite.

The chicken is the foundation—poach it gently to keep it moist. Costco has great boneless, skinless breasts in bulk, but any grocery store will do. For the vegetables, freshness is key: crisp romaine, vibrant Napa cabbage, and firm carrots. The almonds must be toasted (about 350°F for 5-7 minutes) until golden and fragrant. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives the salad its signature crunch.

No Napa cabbage? Savoy or regular green cabbage works fine—just slice it thin. Out of sesame oil? Toasted peanut oil offers a similar depth. For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo. The honey can be swapped with agave if needed, but the dressing won’t have quite the same complexity. Always use freshly grated ginger—jarred just doesn’t compare.

Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. The dressing holds for 3 days in the fridge, but the toasted almonds and sesame seeds lose their crunch if stored too long. Leftovers (undressed) keep 2 days—toss with fresh dressing when ready to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

This method delivers perfectly balanced flavors and textures in every bite.

Step 1: Poach and Cool the Chicken Breasts

Place the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Poach for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is just cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is no longer pink inside but still moist. Immediately transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool completely.

Once cool, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers. This method keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out.

Step 2: Prepare and Toast the Nuts and Seeds

In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the 0.5 cup sliced almonds for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning—they’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat after you remove them from the pan.

Transfer the toasted almonds to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, toast the 2 tbsp sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately and let cool. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to your salad.

Step 3: Chop and Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry the 1 whole romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. This will serve as your base. Thinly shred the 2 cups napa cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent texture.

Julienne or shred the 2 whole carrots—I prefer using a box grater for speed. Thinly slice the 4 whole green onions, using both the white and green parts for a mild onion flavor throughout the salad.

Combine all the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. The mix of crisp romaine, tender napa cabbage, sweet carrots, and sharp green onions creates the perfect texture contrast.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sesame Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth.

Add the 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger and 1 clove minced garlic, then whisk to combine. Season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—the dressing should be tangy, slightly sweet, and well-balanced.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix—you want to maintain the texture of each ingredient.

Sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds over the salad. Toss once more to distribute the toppings, then transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately while the almonds are still crisp.

Perfect Pairings for This chinese chicken salad recipe ina garten

Side Dish Pairings

This salad pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to make it a heartier meal. I love serving it with cucumber salad for extra crunch, using 1 English cucumber sliced thin with 1 tbsp rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar. 🥗

Soup Complements

For a lighter meal, serve alongside hot and sour soup or wonton soup. The warm broth contrasts nicely with the cool, crisp salad. A small bowl of egg drop soup also works well for a comforting meal.

Appetizer Ideas

Start with spring rolls or egg rolls to set the Asian-inspired theme. I often serve pork or vegetable spring rolls with a sweet chili dipping sauce. These appetizers prepare your palate for the salad’s flavors.

Beverage Pairings

A crisp green tea, either hot or iced, complements the sesame and ginger notes perfectly. For something stronger, a light lager like Sapporo or Asahi cleanses the palate without overpowering the dish. 🍺

Dessert Suggestions

End with fortune cookies or lychee in syrup for a traditional touch. I also love mango pudding—its sweetness balances the savory notes of the salad. These light desserts won’t overwhelm after the meal.

Extra Toppings

For added texture, try crispy wonton strips or fried shallots on top. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds freshness. These small additions can elevate the dish without changing its core identity. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions