Go Back
Colorful chicken chow mein salad in a white bowl topped with crunchy noodles and roasted peanuts

Chicken Chow Mein Salad

This chicken chow mein salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish that combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade sesame dressing. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, it's sure to impress with its bold flavors and delightful textures.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 4 servings
Calories 397 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into short strips
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon canola or peanut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 to 4 scallions, sliced
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • Chow mein noodles, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup peanut or canola oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat the sesame oil and canola or peanut oil in a large sauté pan over high heat for 1 minute. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pat dry the chicken strips and season lightly with kosher salt. Add the chicken to the hot pan.
  • Stir-fry the chicken over high heat until fully cooked and golden, about 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the heat of your stove. Set the chicken aside to cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce or Napa cabbage, bell pepper, scallions, carrot, cilantro, and peanuts. Add the cooked chicken on top.
  • Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated. Top with chow mein noodles for an irresistible crunch.

Notes

If you’d like to make this salad ahead for a party or to take for lunch, cook the chicken and assemble all the salad ingredients in a storage container, except for the chow mein noodles. Combine the ingredients for the salad dressing in a separate jam jar. Store everything in the fridge until ready to serve. Just before serving, shake the jam jar to combine the dressing, then toss with the salad.