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The dressing on this Wonton Chinese Chicken Salad is phenomenal, but it’s the crunchy, flavorful veggies and tender chunks of chicken that really do it for me. It’s sweet and salty, crisp and juicy – This recipe is great for lunch or a weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
We made this Chinese chicken salad while sending my parents off on their mission, and it has been a favorite ever since. I love that it’s quick, satisfying, and so full of flavor that even my “salads are boring” people go in for seconds.
What to Serve With Chinese Chicken Salad
This dish is a total win as a main course salad, but it’s also delicious alongside a warm bowl of Tomato Soup or a quick side of Garlic Sugar Snap Peas.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad
This salad is loaded with fresh produce, lean protein, and bold flavor. Everything is easy to find and quick to prep – perfect for busy nights or meal prep wins.
- Dressing Base: Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Honey – The trifecta of sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Protein: Chopped Chicken – Use rotisserie chicken to keep things simple and juicy.
- Crunchy Veggies: White and Red Cabbage, Romaine, Iceberg, Sugar Snap Peas, Carrots, English Cucumber – A mix of crisp and refreshing textures that don’t wilt under dressing.
- Aromatics: Green Onion, Cilantro – Adds freshness and a little zip.
- Add-Ins: Red Bell Pepper, Salted Cashews, Mandarin Oranges (optional) – Sweet, nutty, and vibrant.
- Crunchy Toppers: Wonton Strips – The finishing touch that makes every bite pop.
- Seeds: Sesame Seeds – Toasty, nutty, and totally necessary.
- Seasonings: Salt, Fresh Ginger, Sugar, Soy Sauce – Brings depth, balance, and zing to the dressing.
Don’t know where to find crispy wontons?
Check near the croutons or salad toppers at the grocery store. Some stores even carry seasoned ones, which are extra tasty.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad
- Make the dressing: Whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sugar, fresh ginger, salt, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
- Layer the salad: In a large bowl, pile in the chopped chicken, cabbage, romaine, iceberg, red bell pepper, carrots, sugar snap peas, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, cashews, and sesame seeds.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything’s evenly coated.
- Top and serve: Add the wonton strips just before serving so they stay crispy.
Storing and Making Ahead Chinese Chicken Salad
Fridge storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the wonton strips separate so they stay crisp.
Make ahead: You can prep the dressing up to 8 hours ahead and chop all the salad ingredients in advance. Just store everything separately until you’re ready to toss.
Tips for Chinese Chicken Salad
- Chicken: A rotisserie chicken from Costco makes this so easy. Just shred the chicken breasts and thighs for about 3 cups of tender protein. You can also sub in grilled chicken or leftover roasted turkey if you’ve got it.
- Cabbage: Slice it with a knife or use a mandoline for those thin, crunchy ribbons. Or grab a bag of coleslaw mix to save time.
- Dressing: Add a little sriracha to the sesame dressing for heat, or double the sugar for more sweetness.
- Cashews: If you’re out of salted cashews, try slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for that same nutty crunch.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the best flavor, but 2 teaspoons of dried works in a pinch.
- Mix-ins: Toss in edamame, extra snow peas, or shredded carrots if you’ve got them on hand.
- Fruit swap: No mandarins? Try pineapple chunks or diced mango for a fruity twist.
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, this crispy wonton Chinese chicken salad – aka chicken wonton salad, wonton salad, or just “that crunchy chicken one” in our house – hits every note and keeps us coming back for more!
More Delicious Salad Recipes:
- Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
- Smoked Chicken Kale Salad
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad
- Flank Steak Summer Salad
- The BEST Mango Chicken Salad
- Sweet Pork Salad with Mango Dressing
- Chicken Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
- Chicken Taco Salad
Watch How This Salad Recipe is Made…
Wonton Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 Cups Chopped Chicken, cooked
- 1 Cup White Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 Cup Red Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 Cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped
- 2 Cups Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
- 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 Medium Carrot, julienne
- 1 Cup Sugar Snap Peas, chopped
- 1 English Cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 Green Onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Salted Cashews, toasted and chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
- Wonton Strips, for serving
For the Dressing
- 4 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 4 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 4 teaspoons Sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ginger, fresh *see note
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
- Mandarin Oranges, optional
Instructions
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside.4 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar, 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Honey, 4 teaspoons Sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons Ginger, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds, Mandarin Oranges, 4 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- Layer all other ingredients in a large bowl, add the dressing and toss to coat according to your tastes.3 Cups Chopped Chicken, 1 Cup White Cabbage, 1 Cup Red Cabbage, 2 Cups Romaine Lettuce, 2 Cups Iceberg Lettuce, 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, 1 Medium Carrot, 1 Cup Sugar Snap Peas, 1 English Cucumber, 1 Green Onion, 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds, 1/2 Cup Salted Cashews, 2 Tablespoons Cilantro
- Top with wonton strips and enjoy!Wonton Strips
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is that toasted sesame oil you use in the salad dressing? looks delicious! I want to get it right. Thanks, for sharing.
Hey Theresa! You can honestly use either depending on your preference. We always use unseasoned.
That really does sound like a wonderful lunch!
Thanks for the shout-out! And the salad was delish!
that looks super duper yummy!
Thanks! I am so glad you liked it. Feel free to copy and paste anytime =)