If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce mingling with shredded rotisserie chicken, crunchy cabbage, and bright carrots, all brought together by a tangy Asian salad dressing that makes every bite exciting. This salad strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and indulgent toppings like sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips, creating an irresistible harmony that feels both comforting and gourmet. Whether you’re looking for a lighter lunch or a lively side dish at dinner, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver crisp textures, vibrant colors, and rich flavors. These essentials come together effortlessly, making this salad both easy to prepare and unforgettable to eat.
- Rotisserie chicken breast, 2 cups shredded: Perfectly cooked and tender chicken forms the protein-packed base of the salad.
- Romaine lettuce, 1 head shredded: Adds crunch and a refreshing green color for a lively salad foundation.
- Iceberg lettuce, 1 head shredded: Provides additional crispness and mild flavor to complement other greens.
- Shredded red cabbage, 1 cup: This brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant purple hue that brightens the dish.
- Shredded carrots, 1 cup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of orange that balances the color palette.
- Green onions, 1/4 cup thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness and depth to contrast the sweeter vegetables.
- Cilantro leaves, 3 tablespoons (optional): Introduces a fresh, zesty herbaceous note that lifts the salad.
- Asian salad dressing: The star dressing that ties all the ingredients together with a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A sprinkle adds just the right amount of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Sesame seeds: Adds nutty flavor and a delicate crunch to the top of the salad.
- Slivered almonds: Provides an extra layer of crunch and a buttery nuttiness.
- Crispy wonton strips: The ultimate indulgent finish that brings irresistible crisp texture to every bite.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the shredded rotisserie chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the Asian salad dressing over it and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Allow the chicken to sit and marinate in the dressing for about 10 minutes. This step is key because it infuses the protein with rich flavors, bringing the entire salad a cohesive taste.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Veggies
Next, add the shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce along with the shredded red cabbage, carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and, if you like, some chopped cilantro leaves. Gently toss the ingredients together to blend their colors and textures without bruising the delicate greens. This vibrant vegetable mix is what makes the salad so refreshing and satisfying.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the remaining half of the Asian salad dressing over the combined vegetables and chicken. Give the salad another toss, making sure every bite will have that perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. The dressing ties every element together beautifully, making this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe shine.
Step 4: Add Your Crunchy Toppings
Finally, just before serving, garnish generously with crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, nutty sesame seeds, slivered almonds for extra crunch, and crispy wonton strips that add an irresistible crispiness. These toppings elevate the salad from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, don’t be shy with your garnishes! The combination of sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips creates contrasting textures that elevate the salad experience. Each bite will bring a delightful crunch or a subtle spice, making the salad feel joyful and plentiful.
Side Dishes
This salad stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full meal, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, some lightly sautéed vegetables, or even a bowl of miso soup. These subtle sides won’t overpower the salad, but will complement its bright flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you feel like making the salad extra special for guests, try serving it in individual bowls rather than a large platter. You could also use edible lettuce cups to scoop the salad, turning each serving into a neat, handheld delight. Another colorful idea is to layer the salad in a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the vibrant mix of ingredients before tossing at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the crunchy toppings fresh, it’s best to store them separately and add just before serving. This way, your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe stays crisp and delicious the next day.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh lettuce and crunchy toppings, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the greens will become soggy and unappetizing once thawed. However, you can freeze leftover shredded chicken on its own to use later in other recipes.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, enjoy any leftover chicken warmed separately or repurpose it in a warm dish to preserve texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken from the store for this salad?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful way to save time while ensuring tender, juicy protein for this salad.
What if I don’t have Asian salad dressing on hand?
You can easily whip up a simple dressing with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, a little honey, and some grated ginger to capture the essence of the dressing’s sweet and tangy notes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The salad itself can be gluten-free if you skip the crispy wonton strips or substitute them with a gluten-free crunchy topping. Always check your salad dressing ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan or vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian-friendly Asian dressing. The veggies and crunch will still shine beautifully.
How long does this salad stay fresh once prepared?
It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator, especially if the crunchy toppings are added fresh each time to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and delightful textures all rolled into one bowl. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress friends during a weekend gathering. I can’t recommend it enough as a go-to recipe that never fails to please. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this crisp, flavorful salad again and again!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, crunchy red cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a flavorful homemade Asian dressing. Topped with a mix of crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips for added texture and zest.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly-sliced green onions
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves (optional), roughly chopped
Dressing
- Asian salad dressing (homemade) – amount enough to toss salad (estimated 1/2 cup total)
Toppings
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- Slivered almonds, to taste
- Crispy wonton strips, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken with half of the homemade Asian dressing. Toss well ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Combine vegetables: Add shredded romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro (if using) to the bowl with the chicken. Toss gently so the greens and veggies mix thoroughly with the chicken.
- Add remaining dressing: Pour the remaining half of the Asian dressing over the salad mixture. Toss again until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing for a balanced flavor throughout.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips on top as garnish. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, omit the crispy wonton strips and slivered almonds.
- Cilantro is optional; omit if you prefer or substitute with fresh parsley.
- Use homemade Asian dressing for best flavor, but store-bought variants can be used as a shortcut.
- To keep the salad crisp, add the wonton strips and almonds just before serving.
