The Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is fresh, crunchy and full of flavor. I first tried it at the restaurant and loved the sweet, tangy dressing with crisp vegetables and tender chicken.
Making it at home is easier than you think. This Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple ingredients and gives restaurant-style taste.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a healthy, crunchy salad anytime. Learn how to make Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad at home with easy steps and ingredients for a perfect lunch or dinner.
My Experience With This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
I remember making this salad on a busy weeknight. I wanted something light but satisfying. The crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges and toasted almonds were amazing.
Homemade chicken gave it more flavor than the restaurant. The sesame-ginger dressing made every bite exciting. My family loved it and asked for seconds.
It’s fun to mix all the colors and textures together. Making this salad gave me confidence that restaurant-style dishes can be easy at home.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Course or Salad
- Cuisine: American/Asian Fusion
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Salad tongs or large spoon
- Serving bowls
Ingredients You Need for Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, drained
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Cook in a pan over medium heat for 6–8 minutes each side. Let it cool and slice thinly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Shred green and red cabbage and carrots. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Add sliced green onions and mandarin oranges.
3. Toast Almonds and Sesame Seeds
Heat a dry skillet. Toast almonds and sesame seeds until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and grated ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Salad Ingredients
Add sliced chicken, toasted almonds, sesame seeds and chow mein noodles to the vegetable bowl. Pour dressing over the salad.
6. Toss the Salad
Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure noodles remain crunchy and salad is colorful.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Divide salad into serving bowls. Add extra almonds or noodles on top for decoration. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh chicken for tender, juicy slices.
- Toast nuts and seeds to enhance flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy noodles.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even texture.
- Chill salad slightly before serving if desired.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Serving Suggestions
This salad works well as a main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a light soup or spring rolls for a complete meal. It also tastes great as a side dish during family gatherings or potlucks.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Egg drop or miso soup
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Light Asian-style noodles
- Crispy wonton chips
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers.
- Keep vegetables fresh in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Chicken can be stored for 2 days.
- Reheat chicken gently before adding to salad.
- Toss salad just before serving to maintain crunch.
Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and sliced
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments drained
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds toasted
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Cook in a pan over medium heat for 6–8 minutes each side. Let it cool and slice thinly.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred green and red cabbage, and carrots. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Add sliced green onions and mandarin oranges.
Toast Almonds and Sesame Seeds
- Heat a dry skillet. Toast almonds and sesame seeds until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and grated ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Salad Ingredients
- Add sliced chicken, toasted almonds, sesame seeds and chow mein noodles to the vegetable bowl. Pour dressing over the salad.
Toss the Salad
- Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure noodles remain crunchy and salad is colorful.
Serve and Enjoy
- Divide salad into serving bowls. Add extra almonds or noodles on top for decoration. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for tender, juicy slices.
- Toast nuts and seeds to enhance flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy noodles.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even texture.
- Chill salad slightly before serving if desired.
FAQs about Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare vegetables and chicken separately. Keep dressing in a small container. Combine just before serving to keep noodles crunchy.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of homemade?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well. It saves time and adds flavor. Slice it thinly for even distribution.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers or snap peas are good. Keep vegetables crisp and cut into thin strips.
4. How spicy is the dressing?
This version is mild and sweet. Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Toast lightly for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is easy, fresh and full of flavor. Making it at home saves money and time while giving restaurant-quality taste.
With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy this crunchy, sweet and tangy salad anytime.
Try this recipe today to surprise your family with a delicious, healthy meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner or a light snack and everyone will love the vibrant colors and flavors in every bite.
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Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
