If you are searching for a fresh, lively, and delightfully crunchy dish, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is your go-to. It combines crisp romaine and napa cabbage with juicy mandarin oranges and tender, flavorful shredded chicken, all tossed in a zesty sesame ginger dressing that packs a punch. The addition of roasted cashews and crispy wonton strips adds that perfect textural contrast, making every bite a celebration. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a healthy, satisfying meal, this salad is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a breeze with everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From the crunchy veggies to the savory dressing components, every item enhances the overall flavor and texture harmony.
- Romaine lettuce, shredded: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that holds up well against the dressing.
- Napa cabbage, shredded: Adds a slightly sweet crunch, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken: An easy way to add tender protein with a savory depth.
- Mandarin oranges, drained: Brings bursts of juicy sweetness that brighten each bite.
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the salad’s flavors.
- Roasted salted cashews: Adds a satisfying nutty crunch to contrast the softness of the chicken and fruit.
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Delivers a mild sharpness and subtle crunch, adding layers of texture.
- Crispy wonton strips: For that unbeatable, irresistible crunch, either homemade or from the store.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Enhance the nutty aroma and give a finishing touch of flavor to the salad and dressing.
- Rice vinegar: A key acid that balances the sweetness in the dressing and brightens the whole dish.
- Orange marmalade: Brings a hint of citrusy sweetness, complementing the mandarin oranges perfectly.
- Canola oil: Provides a light, neutral base for the dressing that lets the other flavors shine.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses the dressing with a rich, toasty aroma that’s unmistakably delicious.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami notes while keeping the saltiness balanced.
- Freshly grated ginger: Gives the dressing an invigorating zing that ties everything together.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s flavor.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dressing
Start by whisking together rice vinegar, orange marmalade, canola oil, toasted sesame oil, reduced sodium soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, toasted sesame seeds, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is the soul of the salad, marrying sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors for the perfect balance.
Step 2: Combine the salad ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss shredded romaine lettuce and napa cabbage as your crisp base. Add the leftover shredded rotisserie chicken to introduce rich protein. Then fold in mandarin oranges for bursts of sweetness, chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh herbal note, roasted salted cashews for crunch, and thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony sharpness.
Step 3: Toss with dressing
Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the components are beautifully coated, ensuring each forkful delivers a vibrant combination of textures and flavors. Finally, sprinkle crispy wonton strips and an extra dose of toasted sesame seeds on top to finish with irresistible crunch and nutty aroma.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches elevates your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe to impressive heights. Consider sprinkling additional chopped cilantro or a few fresh mint leaves for even more herbal brightness. Extra cashews or a scattering of chopped peanuts can intensify the nutty notes, while a light drizzle of sriracha mayo adds a wonderful spicy kick if you crave some heat.
Side Dishes
This salad stands well on its own, but pairing it with light, complementary sides can turn it into a complete meal. Think steamed jasmine rice or a simple miso soup for comforting warmth. Alternatively, serve alongside cold sesame noodles or potstickers for a vibrant Asian-inspired lunch or dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try layering your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in clear glass bowls or mason jars to show off all the colorful ingredients. You can also serve it in crisp lettuce cups or use wonton wrappers as edible scoops for a fun appetizer-style experience. Garnishing with edible flowers or thin ribbons of carrot adds a professional touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the crisp ingredients from becoming soggy. The salad will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 days when kept chilled properly.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and dressing do not hold up well after thawing, often becoming mushy or watery. Instead, consider freezing the components separately, such as cooked chicken, if you want to prepare parts in advance.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold and packed with fresh crunch, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer warm chicken, gently warm the shredded rotisserie chicken before assembling the salad, then toss everything together fresh for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding tofu or extra cashews for protein. You could also toss in edamame to keep the salad hearty and satisfying.
What can I substitute for wonton strips?
If you don’t have wonton strips on hand, crispy fried noodles or even toasted pita chips provide great crunch and similar texture to top the salad.
How can I make the dressing less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, decrease the orange marmalade slightly and add a splash more rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the flavors. Fresh lime juice also adds a nice tang.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but with a few caveats. Prep the dressing and salad ingredients separately and only combine them right before eating to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Definitely! Grilled or poached chicken breasts shredded into bite-sized pieces work wonderfully and allow you to control seasoning and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a bright, crunchy, and satisfying meal that feels special but is easy to prepare any day of the week. With its blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant dressing, and irresistible textures, it’s no wonder this is a favorite in so many households. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe 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-American
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad combining crisp romaine and napa cabbage with shredded rotisserie chicken, mandarin oranges, roasted cashews, and a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. This easy-to-make salad blends sweet, savory, and nutty flavors topped with crispy wonton strips for a delightful crunch.
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
- Make 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 well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded romaine lettuce, shredded napa cabbage, shredded rotisserie chicken, drained mandarin oranges, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, roasted salted cashews, and thinly sliced green onions. Gently toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared sesame ginger dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss again to fully coat all the ingredients with the dressing without bruising the delicate components.
- Add wonton strips: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy wonton strips and the remaining toasted sesame seeds on top to provide a light, crunchy texture contrast.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or additional nuts and omit the soy sauce if vegan preferences apply.
- Make wonton strips at home by thinly slicing wonton wrappers and frying until golden brown for extra freshness.
- Use leftover chicken to reduce prep time and add convenience.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of orange marmalade according to taste.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain crispness of the wonton strips.
