This Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is fresh and flavorful, which includes tender chicken breasts and crisp Napa cabbage. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 40 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Cook and shred the chicken: Poach, grill, or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep the vegetables: Shred the Napa cabbage, julienne the bell pepper and carrots, and slice the scallions. Place them in a large mixing bowl with the chicken.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, tossing gently to coat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes.

Recipe Tips
- Best chicken cooking method: Poaching keeps the chicken moist and tender for salads.
- How to julienne quickly: Use a mandoline slicer or food processor attachment for uniform strips.
- Make-ahead option: Prep all components separately and toss with dressing just before serving.
- Extra crunch: Add chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips for texture.
- Dressing storage: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What To Serve With Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
This salad is light yet satisfying, and pairs well with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Asian cucumber salad
- Miso soup

How To Store Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cabbage will soften over time.
Freeze: Not recommended, as fresh vegetables lose their texture after thawing.
Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
Can I substitute Napa cabbage?
Savoy cabbage or a coleslaw mix works as an alternative.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Course: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes20
minutes320
kcalA crisp, flavorful salad with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing — ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
-
4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly shredded
-
1 red bell pepper, julienned
-
2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
-
4 scallions, thinly sliced
-
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
-
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
-
2 tablespoons sesame oil
-
1 tablespoon honey
-
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
1/4 cup vegetable oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook chicken by poaching, grilling, or roasting. Cool and shred.
- Shred cabbage, julienne bell pepper and carrots, slice scallions, and place in a large bowl with chicken.
- Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro; serve immediately or chill briefly.
