If you’re craving a vibrant, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful salad that brings a burst of freshness to your table, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances tender cooked chicken with crisp Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce, sweet mandarin oranges, and a handful of crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles and wonton strips. Tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet homemade dressing, every bite feels like a celebration of textures and tastes that will make this salad your new favorite go-to meal or side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to making this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe a smashing success. Each item plays a crucial role, from the crisp, fresh vegetables to the flavorful toppings and the zesty homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
- Napa cabbage (4 cups, shredded): Provides a crunchy and mild base that soaks up the dressing perfectly.
- Iceberg lettuce (3 cups, chopped): Adds crispness and freshness for a balanced texture.
- Cooked chicken (2 ½ cups, diced): The star protein that makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Carrots (1 cup, julienned): Bring bright color and a naturally sweet crunch.
- Mandarin oranges (11 oz., drained and patted dry): Add a juicy, citrusy surprise that complements the savory flavors.
- Green onions (1/3 cup, diced): Give a mild onion punch that livens up each bite.
- Chow mein noodles (½ cup): For that addictive crispy crunch.
- Crispy wonton strips (½ cup): Another layer of texture that keeps every forkful interesting.
- Sliced almonds (¼ cup): Toasted for a nutty flavor and crunch.
- Toasted sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle over the top for a fragrant finish.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers a bright acidity to the dressing.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth of flavor.
- Peanut oil (2 tablespoons): Serves as a smooth and nutty base for the dressing, easily swapped with avocado, vegetable, or canola oil.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami and saltiness to round out the dressing.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances tart flavors with natural sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a punch of savoriness and aroma.
- Peanut butter (1 teaspoon, optional): For extra creaminess and subtle nuttiness in the dressing.
- Toasted sesame seed oil (¾ teaspoon): Intensifies the nutty sesame notes.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of warm spice and brightness.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining all the dressing ingredients — rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, optional peanut butter, toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger — in a jar with a secure lid. Shake vigorously until everything is emulsified and smooth. Alternatively, you can use a mini food processor to blend these ingredients together. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Grab a large platter or a serving bowl and arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce as a vibrant crisp bed. This fresh foundation is crucial because it provides both texture and a neutral flavor that lets the toppings shine.
Step 3: Dress the Greens
Drizzle a portion of the prepared dressing over the cabbage and lettuce, then gently toss or lightly mix to distribute the flavors. This helps the greens soak in that tangy, sweet dressing without getting soggy.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Now it’s time for the best part — layering on the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and diced green onions. These create a colorful, flavorful mix that keeps every bite exciting and fresh.
Step 5: Crunch It Up
Finish by drizzling more dressing over the top and sprinkling the salad with sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds. These add delicious crunch and deepen the flavor profile, making the salad irresistibly satisfying.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for anyone who loves a little more flavor on their greens. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant textures and tastes.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe truly comes alive with the right garnishes. Sprinkle a few more toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving to give an extra pop of flavor and color that makes the dish look as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with lighter sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy spring rolls, or even a simple bowl of miso soup. These sides keep the meal balanced and complement the bright, fresh flavors while providing a bit of filling comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers. Or try folding the salad into crisp lettuce cups or edible rice paper wraps for a fun, hand-held twist that’s perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp while preventing sogginess. The cooled dressing can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended due to the delicate textures of the fresh vegetables and crispy toppings which won’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
Because it’s a fresh, cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you want to warm the chicken, do so separately before adding it to the chilled salad to maintain the ideal texture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe because it’s already cooked, flavorful, and makes preparation quick and easy.
What can I substitute for wonton strips?
If you can’t find crispy wonton strips, try using crushed tortilla chips, crispy fried noodles, or even toasted croutons for a similar crunchy texture.
Is the peanut butter in the dressing mandatory?
No, the peanut butter is an optional ingredient. It adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor but can be left out or replaced with tahini if preferred.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and choose a hoisin sauce and dressing ingredients without animal products. Ensure your noodles and wonton strips are vegan-friendly as well.
How long does the dressing keep?
The homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful bowl of fresh, colorful ingredients all dressed up with an unforgettable dressing and crunchy toppings. It’s a vibrant, healthy meal that feels like a special treat but comes together in no time. I promise once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and whip up this delicious salad – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad combines crisp Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce with tender diced chicken, crunchy wonton strips, and a medley of fresh vegetables and mandarin oranges. Tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing featuring hoisin sauce, soy, and toasted sesame, it’s a quick, delicious, and refreshing meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 11 oz. mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
- â…“ cup green onions, diced
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute avocado, vegetable, or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients—rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, peanut oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, peanut butter (if using), toasted sesame seed oil, and ground ginger—in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously to blend, or pulse in a mini food processor until smooth. Refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the rest of the salad ingredients to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Salad Base: In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the shredded Napa cabbage and chopped iceberg lettuce evenly to form the crisp base of the salad. Drizzle a portion of the prepared dressing over the greens and gently toss or lightly mix to coat the leaves evenly.
- Add Protein and Vegetables: Evenly distribute the diced cooked chicken, julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, and diced green onions over the lettuce mixture. Drizzle additional dressing on top to enhance flavor throughout the salad layers.
- Top with Crunchy Garnishes: Sprinkle the sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds generously over the salad. These toppings provide a delightful crunch and extra texture contrast serving as a delicious finishing touch.
- Serve: Present the salad with extra dressing on the side so guests can add more according to their preference. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the fresh vegetables and the vibrant taste of the dressing.
Notes
- If preferred, substitute peanut oil with avocado, vegetable, or canola oil for the dressing.
- Peanut butter in the dressing is optional but adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a small amount of chili garlic sauce or fresh chili flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crunch of the vegetables and toppings.
- Leftover dressing can be stored refrigerated for up to one week.
