Fresh Asian-Inspired Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance together in this mouthwatering chopped Chinese chicken salad that promises a vibrant burst of flavors.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and Asian-inspired seasonings.

The salad brings together crunchy cabbage, succulent chicken, and a zesty dressing that tingles your taste buds.

Colorful and packed with nutrition, this dish offers a refreshing meal option for lunch or dinner.

Roasted almonds and crispy wonton strips add an irresistible crunch that takes the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of savory and bright notes.

Dive into this delightful recipe and transform your mealtime with a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Ingredients List

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and satisfying texture to the salad, choose boneless skinless breasts or thighs for tenderness.
• Cilantro: Bright herb that provides fresh, zesty flavor and complements the chicken perfectly.

• Napa Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp base vegetables offering different textures and a mild peppery undertone, select fresh, vibrant leaves without bruising.
• Carrots: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that adds beautiful color and nutritional boost, look for firm, bright orange carrots.
• Scallions: Delicate onion variety that brings sharp, clean flavor and subtle green color, choose bright green tops with firm white bases.
• Wonton Strips: Crispy element that introduces delightful crunch and golden texture, select pre-made or create homemade for extra freshness.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty garnish that provides elegant finishing touch and subtle toasted flavor, choose raw or lightly toasted seeds.

• Canola Oil: Neutral cooking oil that helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances and brightens overall flavor profile.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory Asian condiment that creates rich depth in dressing.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami ingredient that enhances overall taste complexity.
• Ginger: Zesty root that adds warm, spicy undertone and aromatic dimension.
• Sesame Oil: Intensely fragrant oil that contributes distinctive nutty essence.

Tools Needed for Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients together.
• Small Jar with Tight-Fitting Lid: Perfect for mixing and storing the dressing, allowing easy shaking to blend ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp tool for chopping chicken, cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurement of dressing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Grater: Helps grate fresh ginger and shred carrots.

How to Prepare Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad

• Flavor Fusion

Craft a zesty dressing by blending tangy rice vinegar, rich hoisin sauce, savory soy sauce, aromatic ginger, and sesame oil in a sealed jar. Shake vigorously to create a harmonious flavor profile that will elevate the entire dish.

• Salad Symphony

Combine tender shredded chicken with crisp cabbage varieties, vibrant carrots, bright scallions, and fresh cilantro in a spacious mixing bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing and gently toss until every ingredient is beautifully coated.

• Crunch Celebration

Elevate the salad’s texture by sprinkling crunchy wonton strips and delicate sesame seeds just before serving. These final touches transform the dish from simple to spectacular, adding layers of excitement and contrast to each delightful bite.

Expert Tips for Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad

• Salad Prep Shortcut: Pre-shred your chicken and slice vegetables ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy during busy weeknights. Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness.
• Protein Power Swap: Swap chicken for grilled tofu, shredded pork, or edamame to create different protein variations that suit dietary preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Crunch Factor Boost: Replace wonton strips with sliced almonds, crispy rice noodles, or crushed peanuts for alternative texture elements that still provide that satisfying crackle with every bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after the flavors meld together. Prepare the entire dish (except garnishes) up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add crunchy toppings just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Add a kick by mixing in sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped jalapeños directly into the dressing for those who enjoy extra heat and complex flavor profiles.

Presenting Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad at the Table

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this vibrant salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, and chicken, making it a stunning centerpiece for outdoor gatherings.
• Asian-Inspired Side Pairing: Complement the salad with steamed jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls to create a complete meal that highlights the Chinese-inspired flavors and adds extra substance.
• Protein Power Boost: For hungry guests or a more filling option, top the salad with additional grilled chicken, sliced almonds, or edamame to increase the protein content and create a more substantial dish.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Wrap the salad in lettuce leaves or stuff into a pita pocket the next day for a quick, portable lunch that maintains the fresh flavors and crunchy texture of the original recipe.

Refrigeration Tips for Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the wonton strips and sesame seeds separate to maintain their crispy texture until serving time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables a day in advance to streamline meal preparation. Combine ingredients just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain maximum freshness.
• Smart Portion Control: Pack individual servings in sealed containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. This strategy works perfectly for meal prepping and ensures you have a delicious, healthy option ready throughout the week.
• Flavor Boost Technique: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, give it a quick refresh by adding a small splash of extra dressing and re-tossing before serving. This helps revive the flavors and keeps the salad tasting just as delicious as when first prepared.

Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Crisp Chinese chicken salad delivers bold flavors from fresh ingredients and zesty dressing. Crunchy vegetables and tender chicken create a delightful meal that you will enjoy for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 lb (454 g) Napa cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 2 cups red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup cilantro, minced
• 1 cup wonton strips, fried
• 2 tbsps sesame seeds
• 2 tbsps canola oil
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 1 ½ tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ginger, fresh and grated
• ½ tsp sesame oil, toasted

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Combine canola oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil in a sealed jar, vigorously whisking until fully emulsified and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Salad Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, layer shredded chicken as the primary protein, then build layers of finely sliced green and purple cabbage for a robust textural base.
3. Vegetable Integration: Add julienned carrots for vibrant color and crisp freshness, then gently fold in sliced scallions and minced cilantro to distribute herbs evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Dressing Application: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled ingredients, tossing meticulously to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating of all components.
5. Finishing Touches: Immediately before serving, enhance the salad by scattering toasted sesame seeds across the surface for nutty undertones and crown with crispy fried wonton strips to provide a delightful contrasting crunch.
6. Serving: Present the salad chilled or at ambient temperature to maximize flavor profile and textural complexity.

Notes

• Whisk Dressing Thoroughly: Combine ingredients in a sealed jar and shake vigorously to create a perfectly emulsified, flavor-packed dressing that blends seamlessly.
• Rest for Flavor Infusion: Let dressing sit at room temperature to allow ingredients to mingle and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Build the salad in a specific order, starting with shredded chicken as the protein base, then adding cabbage for texture and carrots for vibrant color.
• Finish with Crunch: Top the salad with toasted sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and add an irresistible textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg