Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Chinese Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines crispy vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful sesame dressing. It’s crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet—perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer. The salad can be easily customized based on what ingredients you have, but it traditionally features shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and crispy wonton strips with a delicious, tangy dressing.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced (or you can use regular cabbage)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (or you can use chow mein noodles)
• For the Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, minced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but adds great flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If you’re cooking chicken breast for the salad, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let it cool before shredding or chopping.
   • If using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin, shred the meat, and set aside.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl or jar, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and fresh ginger (if using). Whisk or shake until the dressing is well mixed and smooth.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, if needed. If you like it a bit sweeter, you can add a little extra honey or maple syrup.
3. Prepare the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro (if using). Toss gently to combine.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • Add the cooked chicken to the salad bowl and toss with the vegetables.
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
5. Top with Crunch:
   • Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips over the top for that signature crunch.
6. Serve:
   • Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad and dressing separately if making ahead. If you want to make this salad in advance, store the dressing in a separate container and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra protein with tofu or chickpeas. You can also make it a more filling salad by adding edamame or quinoa.
• Cabbage Substitute: If you don’t have napa cabbage, you can use any type of cabbage, such as purple or green cabbage. A mix of different cabbage varieties also adds color and texture.
• Crunchy Add-ins: If you don’t have wonton strips, you can substitute with other crunchy ingredients like toasted rice noodles, crushed almonds, or even baked tortilla chips.
• Dressing Options: You can make the dressing creamier by adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini to the mix. This gives it a richer texture and additional flavor.
• Chicken Swap: If you prefer, you can use grilled shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak in place of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Main Dish: This salad is hearty enough to be served as a main course, especially when you add extra protein like chicken or tofu. Pair with a simple soup (like hot-and-sour soup or miso soup) for a complete meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve this salad alongside grilled meats, like teriyaki chicken, salmon, or steak, for a fresh contrast.
• Meal Prep: You can prep the salad ingredients and store them separately from the dressing to keep everything fresh for a couple of days. Just toss it all together when ready to serve.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a bright, flavorful dish that offers a great balance of textures—crunchy, savory, sweet, and tangy. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. The versatility of this dish also makes it easy to adjust to your preferences, and the dressing brings everything together with its savory, umami-rich flavor.