If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors, satisfying crunch, and a delightful balance of sweet and savory, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a versatile dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crisp napa cabbage, bright mandarin oranges, and a luscious sesame-ginger dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a fresh lunch or a shareable side at dinner, this salad delivers on taste, texture, and heartwarming comfort all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and easy to find ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe. Each item plays an essential role, from the crisp romaine adding crunch to the toasted sesame oil providing that signature nutty aroma.
- Shredded romaine: Brings a fresh, crisp base with mild flavor that complements other greens perfectly.
- Shredded napa cabbage: Adds a subtle sweetness and sturdy crunch that lightens the salad.
- Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken: The star protein offering juicy, tender bites throughout the salad.
- Mandarin oranges: Introduce a burst of juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory elements.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Infuse a fresh, slightly citrusy note that brightens the whole dish.
- Roasted salted cashews: Provide a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness unlike any other nut.
- Green onions: Give a subtle oniony zing with a pop of vibrant green color.
- Crispy wonton strips: Add irresistible crunch and a bit of Asian flair.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Offer nutty flavor and a pretty finish sprinkled on top.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers acidity essential for the bright dressing.
- Orange marmalade: Brings sweet citrus depth that balances the dressing perfectly.
- Canola oil: A neutral base oil that lets other flavors shine.
- Toasted sesame oil: Packs a punch of rich, smoky sesame essence.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering the salad.
- Freshly grated ginger: Provides warmth and zing to lift the dressing.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Used to taste, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining rice vinegar, orange marmalade, canola oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, sesame seeds, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and emulsified. This dressing is the heart of the Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that bring the salad alive.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded romaine, napa cabbage, shredded rotisserie chicken, mandarin oranges, fresh cilantro, cashews, and green onions. This colorful mix creates layers of texture and flavor that make every forkful exciting and satisfying.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Pour the luscious sesame ginger dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to bruise the delicate greens; a light hand ensures each ingredient is coated evenly without becoming soggy.
Step 4: Add Final Crunch and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the salad generously with crispy wonton strips and an extra scattering of toasted sesame seeds. This final touch adds a delightful crunch that elevates the dish from simple salad to a feast for the senses.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe presentation by adding a few extra garnishes such as additional chopped cilantro for freshness or a wedge of lime for a citrus kick. A sprinkle of thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of sriracha can also add some heat if you like a little spice.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed edamame, vegetable spring rolls, or even simple jasmine rice. These dishes complement the flavors without overwhelming the freshness and texture of the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad inside crisp lettuce cups or in individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom and salad ingredients on top for an on-the-go meal. You can also arrange the salad on a large platter, allowing guests to serve themselves and enjoy the colorful, fresh presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad without the wonton strips to keep them from getting soggy. Keep the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and crisp toppings. It’s worth making fresh each time to capture the perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer, you can warm leftover chicken separately and toss it into a freshly made salad for a slightly different experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled or poached chicken breast shredded finely works wonderfully if you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand. Just be sure it’s well-seasoned for the best flavor.
What can I substitute for wonton strips?
If you can’t find wonton strips, crispy chow mein noodles or toasted tortilla strips make excellent crunchy alternatives in this salad.
Is there a vegan version of this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe?
Yes, simply swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use a vegan-friendly soy sauce. The dressing can stay just the same for an equally flavorful vegan salad.
How long does the salad keep after it’s tossed with dressing?
Once dressed, it’s best eaten immediately to enjoy the crisp textures. If necessary, consume within a few hours or store it separately from the dressing to maintain freshness.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before using to recombine any separated oils.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe that makes it a perennial favorite—whether for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner side. Its perfect harmony of textures and flavors never fails to impress, and I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do sharing it. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to in your recipe rotation!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
A light and flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad packed with crunchy vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and a tangy sesame ginger dressing, topped with crispy wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick, refreshing meal or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head romaine, shredded
- 4 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups crispy wonton strips, homemade or store-bought
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 2 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, orange marmalade, canola oil, toasted sesame oil, reduced sodium soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, toasted sesame seeds, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, shredded napa cabbage, shredded rotisserie chicken, drained mandarin oranges, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, roasted salted cashews, and thinly sliced green onions.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons to ensure the dressing evenly coats all components without bruising the delicate vegetables.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or a large serving bowl. Top generously with crispy wonton strips and additional toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook and shred your own chicken breast for freshness.
- Wonton strips can be store-bought or homemade by frying wonton wrappers until golden and crispy.
- For a nut-free version, omit cashews and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
- The salad is best served immediately to retain the crispness of the wonton strips.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing according to taste preferences.
