Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken brings convenience and lots of flavor. Just dice or shred it and toss it in cold.

What if I don’t have napa cabbage?

No problem—use more iceberg lettuce, or try romaine. Even a little finely sliced green or red cabbage brings great crunch and color.

Can the dressing be made in advance?

Definitely. The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Just give it a vigorous shake before using, as some settling may occur.

How do I keep the crunchy toppings crispy?

Store all crispy elements (noodles, wonton strips, nuts) separately in airtight containers and add them right before serving for the ultimate crunch.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a refreshing yet satisfying salad that checks all the boxes for taste, texture, and convenience? This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. Imagine a bed of crisp napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce, sweet bursts of mandarin orange, juicy chicken, crunchy almonds, and those must-have crispy noodles—all harmonized with a zippy, homemade Asian-inspired dressing. It’s vibrant, colorful, and exceptionally easy to put together, making it ideal for days when you want something delicious with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Fuss-Free: From start to finish, you’re looking at just about 25 minutes—talk about a dinner hero on busy nights.
Amazing Flavor & Texture: Every bite is a party of crispy, nutty, tangy, sweet, and savory notes thanks to the dynamic ingredients and punchy dressing.
Meal Prep Friendly: Separate components can be prepped in advance, making assembly at dinnertime a breeze.
Customizable: Super easy to adapt with what you love or have on hand—plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or anytime you need a dish that impresses effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where variety is key, and each ingredient does a special job.

Napa Cabbage: Forms the crunchy, juicy backbone of the salad. Don’t skip this—it’s the secret to that signature texture.
Iceberg Lettuce: Brings mild flavor and even more crispness. If you love crunch, iceberg is essential.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly here. Go for bite-sized pieces—makes for better eating!
Carrots: Julienne for color and gentle sweetness.
Mandarin Oranges: Use canned or jarred, but make sure they’re well-drained and patted dry to avoid sogginess.
Green Onions: For fresh, sharp bite and a pop of color.
Chow Mein Noodles: The crunch master! Find them in the Asian aisle, and don’t be shy with them.
Crispy Wonton Strips: Adds next-level crunch—totally worth hunting down or making.
Sliced Almonds: For subtle nuttiness and protein; feel free to toast for maximum flavor.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled for a finishing touch. Toast in a dry skillet if you have a few extra minutes.

The Dressing

Rice Vinegar: Brings that gently tangy base.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweet, savory depth—Sun Luck brand is especially punchy.
Peanut Oil: Or substitute with avocado, canola, or vegetable oil for that creamy mouthfeel.
Soy Sauce: Essential umami.
Honey: Balances the acidity with subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh and minced for a wonderful savory kick.
Peanut Butter: Optional, but it adds creaminess and a gentle peanut note.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a touch, for a nutty aroma.
Ground Ginger: Sharpens everything with a spicy-sweet background note.

Tip: Always shake or whisk your dressing just before serving to keep it lively and properly emulsified.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There’s a surprising amount of flexibility with this salad:

Switch Up the Protein: Try shrimp, grilled steak, crispy tofu, or even leftover turkey.
Go Veggie: Double up the veggies—red cabbage, bell peppers, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts all fit right in.
Swap the Crunch: Try cashews, walnuts, or honey roasted peanuts for a different nutty touch.
Dressing Flavors: A dab of Sriracha or chili crisp can add a gentle heat if you like things spicy.
Make It Vegan: Use tofu for chicken and maple syrup for honey in the dressing.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously. You can also use a mini food processor for an ultra-smooth texture. Pop the dressing in the fridge while you prepare the veggies—this lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Layer napa cabbage and iceberg lettuce on a large platter or bowl. Drizzle lightly with some of that zingy dressing—just enough to moisten and start building flavor without wilting the greens.

Step 3: Top and Toss

Scatter diced chicken, julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, and green onions over the greens. Drizzle with more dressing to start layering up all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Finish with Crunch

Add your sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds. Bring the remaining dressing to the table so everyone can add more if they wish.

Note: Hold off adding crunchy toppings until just before serving—no sogginess allowed!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Go Big on Crunch: Double the crispy noodles or wonton strips if you want that restaurant-style bite.
Toast Your Nuts and Seeds: Just a few minutes in a dry pan unlocks their aroma and brings new depth.
Prep Ahead: Slice veggies and chicken up to two days ahead, but keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve.
Dress Lightly First: Always toss with a little dressing, then add more to taste. This keeps everything crisp.

How to Serve

Chinese Chicken Salad shines as a complete meal, but it also doubles up as a crowd-pleasing side. For something special, serve with:

Steamed Dumplings: For an Asian-inspired dinner spread.
Hot and Sour Soup: A cozy pairing that balances the chilled salad.
Chilled Soba Noodles: For those extra-hungry nights.
Fresh Fruit or Simple Citrus Segments: To cleanse the palate.

Don’t forget to offer any extra dressing on the side—this salad is all about customization.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If the salad is already tossed, it’s best eaten fresh since the crispy bits will soften. If you anticipate leftovers, store greens, toppings, dressing, and crunchy bits in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Freezing

This one’s not built for the freezer—freshness and crunch are what make it sing.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! Enjoy straight from the fridge. If you want, you can refresh the crunch by tossing on fresh noodles or almonds.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken brings convenience and lots of flavor. Just dice or shred it and toss it in cold.
What if I don’t have napa cabbage?

No problem—use more iceberg lettuce, or try romaine. Even a little finely sliced green or red cabbage brings great crunch and color.
Can the dressing be made in advance?

Definitely. The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Just give it a vigorous shake before using, as some settling may occur.
How do I keep the crunchy toppings crispy?

Store all crispy elements (noodles, wonton strips, nuts) separately in airtight containers and add them right before serving for the ultimate crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad is more than just a salad—it’s the ultimate fast, feel-good meal for busy nights. Fresh, adaptable, and brimming with flavor, it’s the type of recipe you’ll want to put on repeat. Don’t be afraid to add your own twists and make it your own. Gather your favorite ingredients, embrace the crunch, and enjoy every fresh, satisfying bite!