Name: Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles and Sesame Almond Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded, about 3 cups (or use a rotisserie from the grocery store); 1 medium head of lettuce, chopped or shredded, about 5 cups; 4 green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds; 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds; 4 cups fried vermicelli rice noodles (about a 1/4 of an 8 ounce package uncooked); 4 tbsp granulated sugar; 4 tbsp white vinegar; 1/2 tsp low sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 cup avocado or vegetable oil; 1/2 tsp black pepper; About 1 1/2 cups avocado or vegetable oil (for frying)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a refreshing twist on a classic salad, the Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles and Sesame Almond Dressing Recipe is here to elevate your lunch or dinner game. This vibrant dish combines tender shredded chicken, crunchy fried rice noodles, and a nutty, tangy dressing that delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s like sunshine on a plate, bursting with freshness and irresistible crunch that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or impressing guests, this salad is a total winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients for a dish on a white marbled surface. On the top left is half a green iceberg lettuce with its layered leaves visible. Next to it on the top right is a clear glass bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken, light beige in color. Below the chicken is a small white bowl with sliced almonds, light brown with toasted edges. To the right of the almonds is a small glass cup with a golden liquid, likely oil. Below the oil are three small glass bowls with white sesame seeds, dark soy sauce, and clear vinegar. In the middle left is a large white plate holding a package of Taste of Thai angel hair rice noodles, wrapped in clear plastic with a blue label. To the right of the package are four long green onions with white bulbs and green tops resting diagonally. Below the onions is a small white bowl of white salt. At the bottom left is a wooden pepper grinder with its lid off showing black pepper inside. Lastly, near the grinder is a small glass bowl filled with a white powder, possibly garlic powder. The arrangement is neat, showing a variety of textures and colors on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward building that mouthwatering balance of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crisp lettuce and crunchy almonds to the savory chicken and that all-important sesame almond dressing which ties everything beautifully together.

Chicken breasts (2 large, cooked and shredded): Tender, juicy chicken adds hearty protein to round out the salad.
Lettuce (1 medium head, chopped): Provides a fresh, crisp base to contrast the crunchy toppings.
Green onions (4, sliced): Adds a gentle sharpness and vibrant green color.
Sliced toasted almonds (1/2 cup): Brings rich nuttiness and satisfying crunch.
Toasted sesame seeds (1/4 cup): Adds a deep, toasty flavor that complements the dressing.
Fried vermicelli rice noodles (4 cups): Light, airy, and crispy elements that elevate the salad’s texture.
Granulated sugar (4 tbsp): Gives the dressing a subtle sweetness to balance acidity.
White vinegar (4 tbsp): Adds brightness and tang to the dressing.
Low sodium soy sauce (1/2 tsp): Provides gentle umami depth for seasoning.
Kosher salt (2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the salad and dressing.
Avocado or vegetable oil (1/2 cup for dressing + 1 1/2 cups for frying): A mild oil that supports frying the noodles and blending the dressing smoothly.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle kick to the dressing’s flavor profile.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles and Sesame Almond Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Start by combining the granulated sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and kosher salt in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat just until the sugar dissolves, being careful not to let it boil. Once ready, pour the mixture into a mason jar, add the oil and black pepper, then set it aside to cool completely. This dressing is where the magic begins—sweet, tangy, and nutty all at once, it’s the perfect complement to the crisp salad base.

Step 2: Fry the Rice Noodles

Next comes the fun part. Pour enough avocado or vegetable oil into a deep pan to reach about half an inch up the sides, and heat it over medium-high until it’s almost smoking. Test the temperature by dropping in a noodle; if it puffs up instantly, you’re good to go. Fry the noodles in small batches for just 3 to 4 seconds per side until they’re light and crispy. Use tongs to flip them and transfer the finished batches to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. These crispy noodles will add an incredible crunch that makes this salad unforgettable.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce and cooled fried noodles using clean hands or tongs to combine. This helps evenly distribute those crispy noodles without crushing them. Then, add the shredded chicken, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and green onions. Give the dressing a vigorous shake to blend all the flavors, then pour it over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything in that luscious sesame almond dressing, and you’re ready to serve a salad bursting with flavor, texture, and color.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles and Sesame Almond Dressing Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several distinct layers of ingredients arranged neatly. The base layer consists of light green shredded lettuce spread evenly across the bowl. On top, in the center, is a large mound of pale, shredded chicken with a slightly fibrous texture. Around the chicken, in defined sections, there are bright green chopped scallions on the left, light brown sesame seeds below the scallions, and a pile of toasted sliced almonds with a golden brown color beneath the chicken near the bowl’s edge. The arrangement creates a colorful and textured look with clear separation between each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by sprinkling a little extra toasted almond slices and sesame seeds right before serving. A few fresh cilantro leaves or thin julienned carrots can add vibrant color and fresh aroma, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own as a satisfying meal, but pairing it with light sides such as steamed edamame, a miso soup, or simple jasmine rice can round out the meal beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve the salad individually on small plates topped with a crispy rice noodle nest for an elegant touch. Alternatively, use lettuce leaves as cups for individual servings to create a fun and interactive salad experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Mixing them right before serving will keep the crispy noodles from sogging up and preserve the salad’s fresh crunch.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because of the fresh lettuce and crispy noodles which don’t freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the full range of textures and flavors.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold and very fresh, reheating is not recommended. If you want warm chicken on hand, reheat it separately and toss it with the salad right before eating, keeping the veggies crisp and the dressing vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut to save time and still get tender, flavorful shredded chicken for this salad.

What kind of rice noodles should I use?

Use thin vermicelli rice noodles for frying, as they puff up quickly and give you the perfect crunch needed for this salad.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in a sealed jar. Just give it a good shake before drizzling it over the salad.

Is there a substitute for avocado oil?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-flavored oil work well both for frying the noodles and making the dressing.

How do I keep the rice noodles crispy?

Fry the noodles right before assembling the salad and add them last, tossing carefully. Also, store any leftovers separately to keep those noodles crispy.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles and Sesame Almond Dressing Recipe as much as I do. It’s a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish that feels like a celebration of textures and tastes in every forkful. Perfect for warm evenings or when you want something light yet satisfying, this salad will surely become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Rice Noodles and Sesame Almond Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need