Description
A vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad featuring a crunchy mix of romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, and fresh vegetables tossed with tender shredded rotisserie chicken. It is dressed with a flavorful peanut-sesame dressing infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect quick and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup light olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic (1 large clove)
- 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, or more to taste)
Salad
- 1/2 large head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 medium head Napa cabbage, cored and shredded
- 3 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped peanuts (or cashews)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Fried wonton strips (homemade or store-bought, optional)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the light olive oil, creamy peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, minced ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the dressing: Transfer the dressing to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to develop the flavors, or alternatively, freeze for 15 minutes if short on time.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large serving bowl, toss together the shredded romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro until evenly mixed.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the roughly chopped peanuts and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Add fried wonton strips if using, either mixed in or sprinkled on top.
- Toss and serve: Add the chilled dressing to the entire salad and toss well to coat all ingredients, or dress individual servings at the table. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- Fried wonton strips add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a lighter salad.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
