Chinese Chicken Salad

The vibrant colors and crunch of fresh vegetables mixed with the tender taste of rotisserie chicken create an irresistible scene. This Chinese Chicken Salad comes together in just 25 minutes and is a fantastic choice for a light lunch or dinner. It’s packed with textures and flavors, making every bite a delicious experience.

This recipe is perfect for families needing a quick meal, health-conscious eaters looking for something satisfying, or anyone hosting a gathering. You can easily prep this dish ahead of time, but for the freshest taste, store the dressing separately until serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of crunchy romaine and iceberg lettuce gives a delightful variety of textures.
• The rotisserie chicken adds convenience and rich flavor without the need for lengthy cooking.
• Fresh ingredients help in creating a bright, colorful presentation.
• Toppings like crispy wonton strips provide the perfect crunch to each bite.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for an easy and tasty meal:

For the Salad

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken breast, shredded
• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)

For the Dressing

• Asian salad dressing 👈🏻 use this recipe
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

For Serving

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup wonton strips (crispy salad topper)

Note: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use grilled chicken breast as a substitute.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use mixed greens instead of romaine and iceberg.
• Swap crushed red pepper flakes for sriracha for a stronger kick.
• Replace slivered almonds with chopped peanuts for a different crunch.
• Use sunflower seeds instead of sesame seeds for a nut-free option.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad.

Add chicken

Add shredded chicken to a large bowl. Pour half of the Asian dressing over the chicken and toss until all pieces are well coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can soak into the chicken.

Combine vegetables

Add romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss to combine.

Dress the salad

When ready to serve, pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss.

Garnish

Garnish with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, almonds, and crispy wonton strips. Serve and enjoy immediately while the salad and toppings are crisp.

How to Store It

Fridge: consume within 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the salad will become soggy.
Reheat: not applicable, serve cold.

Tips for Best Results

• Use high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best flavor.
• Allow the chicken to marinate in the dressing for more intense flavor.
• Always add crispy toppings right before serving to maintain their crunch.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light soup for a complete meal.
• Serve as a side dish at summer barbecues or picnics.
• Best enjoyed alongside refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade.