Chinese Chicken Salad is the kind of meal I turn to when I want something fresh, filling, and genuinely exciting on a weeknight. Crisp lettuce, tender shredded chicken, crunchy wonton strips, and a savory homemade Asian dressing all come together in about 15 minutes. Once you make it from scratch, the store-bought kit versions just don’t compare.
I first made this after picking up a rotisserie chicken and realizing I had everything else already in my fridge. The result was better than any restaurant version I had tried. This Chinese Chicken Salad hits every texture and flavor note at once — cool and crisp greens, juicy chicken soaked in savory dressing, nutty sesame, and that satisfying crunch from the wonton strips. It is the kind of salad people ask you to bring to every potluck.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad
I always use rotisserie chicken for this recipe — it saves time and adds flavor you just can’t replicate with plain poached chicken. Pro tip: shred the chicken while it’s still warm for the best texture and easiest pull.
Salad:
- 3 cups romaine lettuce (chopped) — I recommend a mix of romaine and iceberg for the best crunch
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup red cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup cooked rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds — my preference is toasted for extra depth
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Asian Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil — I usually use toasted sesame oil for a richer flavor
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the single most important step is letting the shredded chicken marinate in the dressing for at least 10 minutes before assembling. It transforms the flavor completely and makes every bite of this Chinese Chicken Salad taste cohesive.
Step 1: Combine all dressing ingredients — rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and neutral oil — in a jar. Shake well until fully combined. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors meld. If you enjoy Asian-inspired chicken dishes, this Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice uses a similarly bold flavor base.
Step 2: Place shredded rotisserie chicken in a large salad bowl. Pour half the dressing over the chicken and toss well to coat every piece. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to combine everything with the chicken.
Step 4: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Top with crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately so the toppings stay crisp.
What to Serve with Chinese Chicken Salad
This salad is vibrant and satisfying on its own, but a few smart pairings can round it out into a fuller meal.
Chicken Lo Mein: For a bigger Asian-inspired spread, this Chicken Lo Mein is a natural companion. Serve a smaller portion of the salad alongside the noodles for a restaurant-style dinner at home.
Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: The creamy, spicy profile of this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl offers a fun flavor contrast to the tangy, sesame-forward dressing in the salad.
Sticky Chicken Bowls: If you want a heartier grain-based side to complement the salad, these Sticky Chicken Bowls use bold Asian flavors that pair seamlessly with the Chinese Chicken Salad dressing.
Miso Soup or Egg Drop Soup: A warm, light soup alongside this cool crunchy salad creates a satisfying temperature and texture contrast, especially for a winter lunch.
Artisan Bread or Dinner Rolls: Simple crusty bread rounds out the meal without competing with the bold Asian dressing. It is a great option for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken, Pecans and Cranberries: If you love rotisserie chicken salads, this Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken, Pecans and Cranberries is another great recipe to bookmark for your next meal prep session.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store the salad components separately in airtight containers or zip-top bags in the refrigerator for best results. Chopped lettuce stays fresh for up to 5 days, cooked chicken for up to 3 days, and the dressing for up to 3 days (or longer if you leave out the fresh garlic and ginger). Keep the wonton strips and almonds stored at room temperature so they stay crispy.
When ready to serve, toss everything together fresh. I recommend adding the dressing and crunchy toppings just before eating to preserve the textures that make this salad so satisfying.
Pro tip: this recipe works beautifully as a DIY meal prep salad kit. Portion the components into separate containers on Sunday for quick, no-stress lunches throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes. The dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If storing longer, add the fresh garlic and ginger just before serving to keep the flavors bright.
What can I use instead of wonton strips?
Crispy chow mein noodles work perfectly as a substitute. You can usually find both in the produce or salad dressing aisle of most grocery stores.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken breast, turkey, or even shrimp all work well in this salad. Adjust seasoning as needed based on your protein choice.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Salad is proof that a fast, no-cook meal can still feel special. With bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and a homemade dressing that takes minutes to shake together, this recipe earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Make it tonight and watch it disappear from the bowl.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar. Shake well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Place shredded rotisserie chicken in a large salad bowl. Pour half the dressing over the chicken, toss to coat, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add romaine, iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Top with crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, slivered almonds, and crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately.
