By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 2, 2023 | Last Updated on December 3, 2023
If you’ve ever dined at the Cheesecake Factory, chances are you’ve tasted their famous Chinese Chicken Salad. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, this salad has become a fan favorite.
But did you know that you can recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home? In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the ingredients and steps needed to make your very own Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad.
What is Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad?
Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad is a popular menu item at the Cheesecake Factory, an American restaurant chain known for its extensive menu and signature desserts.
The salad features a mix of fresh vegetables, tender poached chicken, mandarin orange segments, and crunchy toppings all tossed in a sesame-plum dressing.
It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Made with simple, yet flavorful ingredients, this salad is a great option for a light lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love this Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad?
One of the main reasons you’ll love this salad is because it’s easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking. You can add or subtract any ingredients based on your preferences, making it a versatile dish for everyone.
It’s also a healthier alternative to many other dishes on the Cheesecake Factory menu. With its fresh vegetables and lean protein, this salad provides a balanced and nutritious meal option. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, so you won’t even realize you’re eating something healthy.
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The Ingredients
- Green onions: This adds a refreshing onion flavor to the salad and also adds a pop of color.
- Tender, poached chicken: The key protein in this salad, the tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the other flavors and textures.
- Mandarin orange segments: Adds sweetness and tanginess to balance out the other savory ingredients.
- Iceberg lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
- Bean sprouts: Add a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the salad.
- Crispy rice noodles: These add an additional crunch and texture to the salad.
- Toasted Blue Diamond slivered almonds: Add a delicious nuttiness and crunch to the salad.
- Red cabbage: Adds a beautiful pop of color and adds some extra nutrients to the dish.
- Snow peas: Another crunchy and refreshing ingredient, adds a bit of sweetness to the salad.
- Romaine lettuce: Provides a different texture and flavor to the salad compared to iceberg lettuce.
- Black & white sesame seeds: Add a nutty and slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
- Sesame-plum dressing: This is the key component that ties all the flavors together and brings that signature Cheesecake Factory taste.
- Crispy won ton strips: Adds an extra crispy and slightly salty element to the salad.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prep the Ingredients
- Finely chop the green onions.
- Slice the poached chicken into thin strips.
- Drain and separate the mandarin orange segments.
- Chop the iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red cabbage and snow peas.
Step 2
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, green onions, bean sprouts, red cabbage, snow peas, and mandarin orange segments.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3
Add the Chicken
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Gently toss again to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the salad.
Step 4
Toast the Almonds and Sesame Seeds
- In a small pan, lightly toast the slivered almonds and sesame seeds until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 5
Top with Crispy Noodles and Won Ton Strips
- Once cooled, add the toasted almonds and sesame seeds on top of the salad.
- Then, add the crispy rice noodles and won-ton strips on top.
Step 6
Drizzle with Sesame-Plum Dressing
- Give the sesame-plum dressing a good stir before drizzling it over the top of the salad.
- Use as much or as little dressing as desired, but be sure to evenly coat all the ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately and enjoy your homemade Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad!
Tips & Tricks
- For added protein, try adding some diced tofu to the salad.
- To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add some extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Customize the dressing by using your favorite store-bought or homemade sesame-plum dressing.
- To make this salad even healthier, use a mix of different greens like spinach, kale, and arugula.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add some freshly chopped cilantro to the salad.
Nutrition Information
How to Store Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad?
It’s best to consume this salad immediately after making it, as the ingredients are at their freshest and the dressing is well distributed. However, if you have leftovers, we recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When ready to eat, give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. If the salad appears wilted, add a splash of fresh dressing to revive it.
Variations
As mentioned, this salad is highly customizable. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Swap out the poached chicken for grilled or roasted chicken.
- Use different types of lettuce like butter lettuce or mixed greens.
- Add some heat by sprinkling on some red pepper flakes or adding diced jalapenos.
- Try different types of crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles or crumbled tortilla chips.
- Add some fruit like strawberries, sliced apples, or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 oz finely chopped green onions
- 4 oz tender poached chicken, sliced thin
- 8 succulent mandarin orange segments
- 4 oz crisp iceberg lettuce cored and chopped
- 2 oz crunchy bean sprouts
- 2 oz crispy rice noodles
- 2 oz toasted Blue Diamond slivered almonds
- 2 oz thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 fresh snow pea sliced thinly
- 2 oz fresh romaine lettuce cored and chopped
- 1 tsp of a delightful blend of black & white sesame seeds
- 4 oz of luscious sesame-plum dressing readily available in fine food markets
- 2 oz crunchy golden crispy won ton strips
Instructions
- Begin by finely chopping the green onions. Next, slice the poached chicken into thin strips to add a tender and juicy protein element to the salad. Drain and separate the mandarin orange segments for a burst of sweetness and tanginess in every bite. Then, chop the iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces to form a refreshing and crunchy base for the salad. Finally, thinly slice the red cabbage and snow peas to add a pop of color and an extra crunch factor.
- Bring all the prepped ingredients together in a large bowl. Gently toss the chopped lettuce, green onions, bean sprouts, red cabbage, snow peas, and mandarin orange segments to evenly distribute them.
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the other ingredients. Toss gently again to evenly incorporate the chicken throughout the salad.
- In a small pan, lightly toast the slivered almonds and sesame seeds until they turn golden brown. Once toasted, remove them from heat and set aside to cool.
- Time for some crunch! Top the salad with the toasted almonds and sesame seeds. Then, add a layer of crispy rice noodles and won-ton strips on top.
- No salad is complete without its dressing! Give the sesame-plum dressing a good stir before drizzling it over the top of the salad. Make sure to coat all the ingredients evenly with as much or as little dressing as desired. Serve immediately and savor the delicious, homemade Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad!
Notes
- For added protein, try adding some diced tofu to the salad.
- To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add some extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Customize the dressing by using your favorite store-bought or homemade sesame-plum dressing.
- To make this salad even healthier, use a mix of different greens like spinach, kale, and arugula.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add some freshly chopped cilantro to the salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients beforehand and assemble the salad right before serving. However, we recommend dressing the salad just before eating to prevent it from getting soggy.
Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This salad would be delicious with shrimp, beef, or even tofu.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Yes, you can wear any dress you prefer. However, the sesame-plum dressing is what gives this salad its signature Cheesecake Factory taste.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading this article on how to make Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad at home. We hope you enjoy this delicious and nutritious salad as much as we do!
Get creative with the ingredients and variations, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
