Chinese Chicken Salad

Every time I make Chinese Chicken Salad, I feel like I’m sending a little love letter to my taste buds. This dish takes me back to summer picnics and sunny days spent with family. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible—the crunch of the fresh vegetables, the tender shreds of chicken, and the delightful crispiness of the wonton skins make every bite a celebration. I remember the first time I served it at a gathering; everyone was raving about how good it was. It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience!

Chinese Chicken Salad Ingredients

The ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad come together to create a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Each component plays a significant role in building the overall profile of the dish. Key players include crunchy wonton skins, tender chicken, and fresh greens, all drizzled with a delicious sesame dressing.

• 63-inch wonton skins, sliced into ¼-inch strips: These give a delightful crunch to the salad.
• 2 tablespoons canola or corn oil: Used for frying the wonton skins, adding a rich flavor.
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Fresh and crisp, this is the base of the salad.
• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded: The protein source that adds heartiness to the dish.
• 2 green onions, chopped: They add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted lightly: For a nutty crunch that complements the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: These add texture and enhance the sesame flavor in the dressing.
• 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta noodles, cooled: Adds substance and makes the salad more filling.
• 1 ½ tablespoons grapeseed oil: A lighter oil that works well in the dressing.
• 6 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar: Provides a tangy kick to the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For that distinctive nutty flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances out the flavors in the dressing.
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: For garnishing and an extra crunch.
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper: For a touch of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: To season the salad.

Putting Together Chinese Chicken Salad

Making Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful process that brings all the fresh flavors together. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a colorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to create this masterpiece!

1. Start by heating the canola or corn oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want to wait until the oil starts to shimmer, indicating it’s ready for frying. This step is crucial for getting a nice, crispy texture on your wonton skins.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the wonton skins in batches of 5-7 strips for about 30 seconds on each side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re lightly browned and not burnt. When they’re done, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, chopped green onions, toasted almonds, and cooled fusilli pasta. This colorful mix is the base of your salad and will make each bite a delicious explosion of flavors.
4. Now, let’s prepare the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the grapeseed oil, seasoned rice vinegar, sesame oil, granulated sugar, and light soy sauce. Close the lid and shake it vigorously until all the ingredients are well mixed and the sugar has dissolved. If you prefer, you can whisk them together in a small bowl instead.
5. Dress the salad mixture with about 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared sesame dressing. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. You can always add more dressing if you want a bolder flavor.
6. To serve, top the salad with additional sesame seeds and the crispy wonton strips you fried earlier. This will give your salad a beautiful presentation and an extra crunch.
7. Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad immediately while the wonton strips are still crispy, and enjoy every savory bite!

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to get creative with your Chinese Chicken Salad, here are some fun tips to switch things up. You can easily adapt this recipe to cater to your tastes or whatever you have available in your pantry.

• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some chopped cucumber for extra crunch.
• Try different nuts: Swap almonds for cashews or walnuts to change up the flavor.
• Spice it up: Add some sesame chili oil or chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Switch the pasta: Use another type of pasta, such as rice noodles or gluten-free alternatives, to cater to dietary needs.
• Herbs are your friends: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can bring a fresh twist to the salad.
• Experiment with dressings: Try a different Asian-inspired dressing, such as peanut sauce, for a new flavor experience.
• Serving with flair: Serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal!

What to Serve Alongside Chinese Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving Chinese Chicken Salad, you have a myriad of options that beautifully complement the flavors of the dish. Here are some ideas:

• Serve with spring rolls: These make a great appetizer before diving into the salad.
• Pair with dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings are a fantastic side that adds heartiness.
• Enjoy it with a side of rice: For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Perfect for lunch: This salad is ideal for a light lunch, especially when packed in a to-go container.
• Great for potlucks: Bring this salad to gatherings, as it always impresses and serves many.
• Seasonal pairings: In the summer, serve it with chilled beverages like iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing meal.
• Pack for picnics: Its portability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor eating.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner. Your taste buds will thank you for it, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to!

Chinese Chicken Salad

The ultimate light and refreshing meal, Chinese Chicken Salad combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and crunchy wonton skins. This easy weeknight dinner is drizzled with a delicious sesame dressing that ties all the flavors together. Make it tonight for a satisfying and healthy dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 63-inch wonton skins sliced into ¼-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons canola or corn oil for frying
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cooked chicken breast shredded
• 2 green onions chopped
• ¼ cup sliced almonds toasted lightly
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta noodles cooled
• 1 ½ tablespoons grapeseed oil (or canola oil)
• 6 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (add more to taste if you prefer a strong sesame flavor)
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Equipment

• Whisk
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Heat canola or corn oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When oil starts to shimmer, fry the wonton skins in batches of 5-7 strips for 30 seconds each side or until lightly browned, working quickly so they don’t burn. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels until cooled.
2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, chicken breast, green onion, almonds, and pasta.
3. Add the dressing ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until well mixed or whisk in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
4. Dress the lettuce mixture with 2-3 tablespoons of sesame dressing and top with more sesame seeds, wonton strips, and serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the dressed salad, but the texture may change upon thawing.
• Tip 3: Serve with rice or fried rice for a more filling meal.
• Tip 4: This salad is perfect for summer picnics or potlucks.
• Tip 5: Add extra veggies for a colorful twist.

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.