There’s something truly magical about a well-made Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe—a perfect medley of refreshing greens, tender shredded chicken, and irresistible crunch from crispy wontons and toasted nuts. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and contrasting textures that come together in every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a dazzling dish to impress friends, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and tangy elements that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this salad is a breeze! Each component plays a critical role, from the crisp romaine adding crunch to the toasted almonds delivering that nutty depth—every single item enhances the overall taste, texture, and look of the dish.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded: Pre-cooked and perfect for juicy, flavorful protein without the fuss.
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded: Crisp and refreshing, this provides the salad’s essential backbone.
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded: Adds a cool crunch and lightness that balances the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Brilliant purple color that livens up the plate and offers fiber and antioxidants.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweet and colorful, carrots bring a natural vibrancy and texture contrast.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions: Mild bite that elevates the freshness without overpowering.
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves (optional), roughly chopped: Bright, herbal notes for those who love a zingy pop.
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat boost to awaken the palate.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Nutty crunch enhanced by toasting for extra aroma.
- ½ cup slivered almonds: For that addictive, crunchy nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips (or chow mein noodles): The crown jewel of crunch that transforms this salad into a delight.
- Asian dressing (store-bought or homemade): The perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory to unify all ingredients.
- Optional add-ins: Mandarin orange slices, water chestnuts, baby corn, or snow peas for customized bursts of flavor and texture.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
The key to this Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe starts with tender, juicy chicken. Shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces—using your hands or forks, whichever feels good to you. Toss the shredded chicken with half of your Asian dressing and let it sit for 10 minutes. This step lets all those beautiful flavors seep in, ensuring every morsel bursts with savory goodness. If you’re working with leftover grilled or baked chicken, warming it slightly will help the dressing absorb even better.
Step 2: Chop and Combine the Greens
While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare your veggies. Shred the romaine and iceberg lettuce for that ideal, crisp contrast you expect from a top-tier salad. Add shredded red cabbage and carrots for not just a pop of color but also a boost in nutrients and texture. Place all these in a large bowl and toss in green onions and cilantro, if you’re going that extra mile. Pro tip: keep lettuces and cabbage fresh by storing them with a paper towel inside a zip-top bag, helping keep that crunch intact.
Step 3: Assemble and Toss
Once your chicken is perfectly dressed and your greens are prepped, combine everything in the bowl. Pour the remaining dressing over and toss gently so that every leaf and shred is lightly coated. You want a harmonious balance—never drowning but never dry. Add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re into heat or a dash of soy sauce for more umami if you like.
Step 4: Add Crunchy Toppings
This is the moment that makes the Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe truly unforgettable. Sprinkle sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles over the salad. These crunchy elements create a mouthwatering texture contrast that elevates every bite. Feel free to experiment with toasted cashews or sunflower seeds for a fun twist on the nutty profile.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your masterpiece in a large bowl or on individual plates and watch it disappear in no time. The salad tastes freshest when served immediately, with crisp greens, juicy chicken, and crispy toppings at their peak. If you’re taking this to a gathering, keep the dressing and crunchy bits separate until it’s time to eat to preserve that satisfying texture.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this salad even more with a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds or some fresh cilantro leaves on top. For an extra pop of color, a few mandarin orange slices or thinly sliced radishes work beautifully. These small touches turn an already incredible salad into a feast for the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This salad can stand on its own but pairs spectacularly with light, Asian-inspired sides like steamed edamame, vegetable dumplings, or simple miso soup. These accompaniments keep the meal balanced while complementing the salad’s flavors without overwhelming your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving this Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe in individual mason jars layered attractively, or on a beautiful platter topped with edible flowers. For a lunchbox treat, pack the components separately and let your loved ones assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To preserve the crispness, store the dressing and crunchy toppings separately and add just before serving. The salad ingredients themselves will last 2 to 3 days refrigerated.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The lettuce and crunchy elements lose their texture when thawed, and the dressing can separate. If you want to save time later, freeze the shredded chicken separately without dressing for quick meal prep.
Reheating
If you’re reheating leftover chicken for this salad, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until just warm. Avoid heating the salad itself to maintain the freshness and crunch. Toss warm chicken with cold salad components for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is practical and flavorful, grilled or baked chicken breasts work wonderfully too. Just make sure to shred the chicken finely and toss it with dressing for the best flavor absorption.
What can I use if I don’t have crispy wonton strips?
If you can’t find crispy wonton strips, chow mein noodles or toasted rice noodles are fantastic substitutes. Even crunchy tortilla strips or fried wontons can work in a pinch, adding that crucial texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply substitute the shredded chicken with tofu or tempeh, either baked or fried for added texture. You can keep all other ingredients and the dressing the same for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the chicken and chop your vegetables up to a day ahead. Just keep them refrigerated separately, and add the dressing and crunchy toppings right before serving to maintain freshness.
What are some good homemade Asian dressings for this recipe?
A classic sesame ginger dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, and fresh ginger works beautifully. You can also try a peanut-based dressing for a creamier, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the salad’s toppings.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in tossing together a Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings Recipe that feels familiar yet refreshingly vibrant. It’s a salad that captures both simplicity and sophistication, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make this recipe soon—your taste buds will thank you as every crunchy, juicy, nutty bite melts into delicious memory.
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad with Crispy Wontons and Nutty Toppings 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 crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions, all dressed in a flavorful Asian dressing and topped with toasted sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips for the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup Asian salad dressing, divided
Greens and Vegetables
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves (optional), roughly chopped
Toppings
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips (or chow mein noodles)
Optional Add-Ins
- Mandarin orange slices
- Water chestnuts
- Baby corn
- Snow peas
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken breast into bite-sized pieces using your hands or forks. Place the shredded chicken into a large bowl and pour in half of the Asian salad dressing. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes so it soaks up the flavors and stays juicy. If using leftover grilled or baked chicken, warm it slightly before tossing in the dressing.
- Chop and Combine the Greens: While the chicken marinates, shred the romaine and iceberg lettuces and combine them with shredded red cabbage and carrots in a large salad bowl. Add thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if you like. For advance prep, store the greens and cabbage in a zip-top bag with a paper towel to keep crisp.
- Assemble and Toss: Add the marinated chicken to the bowl of greens and vegetables. Pour the remaining Asian dressing over the salad and toss gently until each leaf and shred is lightly coated. Avoid overdressing; the dressing should cling, not drown. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips evenly over the salad to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast. For variety, try toasted cashews or sunflower seeds instead. Serve the salad immediately for maximum crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad in a large serving bowl or individual plates. If preparing ahead for potlucks or gatherings, keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Enjoy the crisp freshness and balanced flavors right after tossing.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in the dressing for 10 minutes enhances flavor and moisture.
- To keep greens crisp for days, store them with a paper towel in a zip-top bag.
- If desired, customize with optional add-ins like mandarin orange slices or snow peas for added sweetness and crunch.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute crispy wonton strips with gluten-free crunchy toppings like toasted nuts or rice sticks.
- Serve salad immediately after adding crunchy toppings to maintain texture.
