Crisp & Tangy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunch Joy

Summers call for refreshing meals that burst with vibrant flavors and Chinese chicken salad recipe create the perfect harmony of crunch and zest.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender, succulent chicken pieces that dance across your plate.

The blend of tangy dressing and delicate herbs turns this dish into a culinary adventure.

Every bite promises a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Colorful ingredients come together in a symphony of freshness and bold Asian-inspired seasonings.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this salad offers a light yet satisfying meal for any occasion.

Prepare to be transported by this irresistible combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Chinese Chicken Salad Is Always Fresh

• This Chinese chicken salad is a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools. Home cooks of all levels can confidently create this delightful dish without stress.
• Loaded with zesty dressing, crispy toppings, and vibrant ingredients, the salad delivers an explosion of taste and texture in every single bite. Each ingredient contributes a unique layer of deliciousness.
• Flexible recipe allows endless variations by swapping proteins, adjusting dressing intensity, or adding personal favorite ingredients. Adaptable for vegetarians, meat lovers, and dietary preferences.
• Visually stunning and universally loved, this salad works perfectly for casual gatherings, potlucks, light lunches, or as a refreshing side dish. Guaranteed to impress guests with its colorful presentation and irresistible flavors.

What You Need for Chinese Chicken Salad

• Napa Cabbage: Fresh green vegetable that provides a crisp foundation for the salad.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Adds extra crunch and light texture to the salad base.

• Chicken: Main protein source that makes the salad hearty and satisfying.

• Mandarin Oranges: Sweet citrus element that adds bright flavor and color.
• Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that provides additional texture and nutrition.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and fresh green accent to the salad.

• Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce: Tangy liquid bases that create depth in the dressing.
• Hoisin Sauce: Provides a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the dressing.
• Peanut Oil, Sesame Seed Oil: Aromatic oils that enhance the dressing's flavor.
• Garlic, Ground Ginger: Spices that add warmth and complexity to the dressing.
• Peanut Butter: Optional ingredient that adds richness to the dressing.

• Almonds, Chow Mein Noodles, Wonton Strips: Provide satisfying crunch and textural contrast.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip the Zesty Dressing

• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Peanut oil
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Peanut butter
• Toasted sesame seed oil
• Ground ginger

Shake vigorously until ingredients blend smoothly.

Refrigerate while preparing the remaining salad components.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Greens

Slice Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce into thin ribbons.

Spread greens across a large serving platter, creating a vibrant base for the salad.

Lightly drizzle a small amount of prepared dressing over the greens.

Step 3: Build Protein and Color Layers

Add diced cooked chicken evenly across the greens.

Sprinkle julienned carrots, drained mandarin oranges, and chopped green onions over the chicken.

Ensure colorful distribution for visual appeal.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Texture

• Sliced almonds
• Chow mein noodles
• Crispy wonton strips
• Toasted sesame seeds

Drizzle remaining dressing to coat all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer salad to serving dishes.

Place extra dressing on the side for individual preferences.

Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, textured Chinese chicken salad.

Smart Tips for Better Chicken Salad

• Shake the dressing ingredients in a sealed jar for maximum flavor blending and smoother consistency.
• Chop cabbage and iceberg lettuce into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even dressing distribution and better bite.
• Cook chicken breasts in advance and let them cool completely before dicing to maintain moisture and prevent salad sogginess.
• Add crispy toppings like wonton strips and almonds just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent them from getting soft.
• Serve salad slightly chilled by refrigerating components separately and assembling just before eating for maximum freshness and texture contrast.

Store and Serve Chinese Chicken Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container, keeping chicken and dressing separate to prevent soggy greens. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and freshness.
• Pour extra dressing into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw individual portions as needed, lasting up to 3 months.
• Warm wonton strips and almonds separately in a skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding back to salad to restore their crispy texture. Add fresh ingredients like green onions and crisp lettuce to refresh the salad.
• Warm chicken separately in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying. Mix gently with fresh greens and add extra dressing to boost moisture and flavor.

What Goes with Chinese Chicken Salad

• Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair this zesty Chinese Chicken Salad with crisp Riesling wine, highlighting the salad's sweet and tangy dressing notes while cutting through its richness.
• Complement Texture Contrast: Serve alongside a light, cold jasmine green tea, which refreshes the palate and echoes the Asian-inspired ingredients without overwhelming the delicate salad flavors.
• Enhance Protein Balance: Add chilled sake as a traditional accompaniment, its clean, smooth profile perfectly matching the chicken and providing a subtle umami undertone to the entire dish.
• Create Crunch Companion: Include prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks or crispy rice crackers to mirror the salad's crunchy elements and provide an additional textural dimension to the meal.

Twist Ideas for Chinese Chicken Salad

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari, swap chow mein noodles for gluten-free rice noodles, and use certified gluten-free wonton strips to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh, use plant-based honey alternative like agave syrup, and ensure all dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly for a completely plant-based meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip chow mein noodles and wonton strips, replace mandarin oranges with diced bell peppers, and use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional lettuce for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or chili oil to the dressing, incorporate diced jalapeños, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and nutrients from nuts and seeds. The homemade dressing allows you to control sugar and oil content, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Partially. Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables in advance, but add crunchy toppings like almonds and wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with tofu or edamame. Use the same dressing and keep all other ingredients the same. This will maintain the Asian-inspired flavor profile while creating a plant-based version.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast work perfectly. You can also use leftover roasted chicken. Just ensure the chicken is diced into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Chinese Chicken Salad brings crisp textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort. Crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and tangy dressing create a refreshing meal you can enjoy in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Greens and Vegetables:

• 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
• 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/3 cup green onions, diced

Proteins and Fruits:

• 2.5 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 11 ounces (311 grams) mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry

Crunchy Toppings and Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chow mein noodles
• 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon peanut butter (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a sealed jar or food processor until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop depth.
2. Chop Napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce into thin, uniform strips. Spread evenly across a large serving platter to create a fresh, crisp foundation.
3. Layer diced chicken evenly over the greens, ensuring consistent coverage and distribution of protein across the salad base.
4. Distribute julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, and diced green onions strategically across the chicken layer to create vibrant color and balanced flavor profile.
5. Generously drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, coating ingredients to enhance overall taste and moisture.
6. Sprinkle sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, and crispy wonton strips to introduce multiple texture dimensions. Add toasted sesame seeds for additional nutty complexity.
7. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side, allowing guests to customize their portion. Best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of added crunchy elements.

Notes

• Customize dressing sweetness by adjusting honey levels to suit personal taste preferences.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
• Toast nuts and seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty aroma and create deeper, richer flavor dimensions.
• Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays, keeping crunchy elements separate to prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg