This Chinese Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing meal packed with crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy soy dressing. Sweet pineapple and crisp water chestnuts add texture and flavor without making the salad overly heavy or sugary.
Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a simple easy dinner, this diabetes-friendly recipe keeps carbohydrates moderate while providing satisfying protein and fiber. The combination of lean chicken, crunchy celery, and juicy tomatoes makes every bite fresh and balanced.
It’s also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. Just chill the salad for a few hours to let the flavors blend together, then serve in hollowed tomatoes for a beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Crunchy, creamy, and refreshing in every bite
- Diabetes-friendly with balanced carbs and protein
- Great for meal prep and make-ahead lunches
- Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free soy sauce
Chinese Chicken Salad with Crunchy Water Chestnuts
Course: Lunch, SaladsCuisine: Asian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes2
Hour2
hours15
minutesIngredients
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained
2 tablespoons finely diced pimiento
2 (8-ounce) cans water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 scallions, chopped
1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 large tomatoes, hollowed
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, pineapple, pimiento, water chestnuts, and scallions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low-fat mayonnaise, lite soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Before serving, spoon the chicken salad into hollowed tomatoes. Serve chilled.
Variations
- Low-carb option: Serve in lettuce cups or replace the tomatoes with chopped cabbage
Add crunch: Toss in sliced cucumber or extra celery
Extra protein: Add chopped boiled eggs or extra grilled chicken
Creamy version: Mix in a small amount of plain Greek yogurt with the dressing
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 155
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
Tips for Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Drain the pineapple well to keep the salad from becoming watery.
- Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Dice the ingredients evenly for a balanced bite in every spoonful.
- For extra crunch, add sliced almonds right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Because this is a chilled salad, reheating is not recommended. Stir before serving if any liquid separates during storage.
❓ FAQ
Can I make Chinese Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours because the flavors blend together.
What type of chicken works best?
Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken both work well in this healthy recipe.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store portions in separate containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
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