If you’re craving a salad that bursts with flavor, crunch, and freshness all in one bowl, this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp romaine, bright carrots, and fresh cilantro, all drizzled with a tangy sesame vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. With every bite, you get a delightful mix of textures thanks to crunchy wontons and toasted almonds, making it a truly satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare but feels impressively gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various sauces and ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a small white dish with brown sauce at the top right, a clear glass cup filled with dark balsamic vinegar near the center, a small metal cup with a pale, creamy paste at the bottom left, and a small wooden bowl with red sauce near the center right. To the right, there is a metal cup containing a mix of coarse salt and spices. Two bottles of oil with golden-yellow liquid are placed at the top, and a blue and white striped cloth is draped on the left edge. A clear glass lemon juicer is positioned at the bottom center. The scene is bright and clean, with a simple and organized layout photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the vibrant flavors and textures that make this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe so irresistible. Each component, from the fresh herbs to the toasted almonds, plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste and crunch.

Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a rich umami base that brings depth to the dressing and the chicken seasoning.
Fresh ginger: Offers a zesty, aromatic kick that brightens the vinaigrette.
Rice wine vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness of the oils.
Hoisin sauce: Lends a hint of sweetness and complexity to the dressing.
Sesame oil: Infuses both the chicken and the dressing with its distinctive nutty aroma.
Sriracha: Adds just a touch of heat for balance without overpowering the salad.
Kosher salt and pepper: Fundamental for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken and emulsifying the dressing smoothly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked right.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, acting as the green base of the salad.
Carrots: Julienned for a crunchy, colorful bite.
Scallions: Thinly sliced with both the white and green parts for sharpness and freshness.
Fresh cilantro leaves: Offers a bright, herbal lift that complements the other flavors.
Crispy wontons: Give a delightful crunch that plays wonderfully against the tender chicken.
Sliced almonds: Toasted to bring out their nuttiness and add texture.
White sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a subtle crunch and aesthetic appeal.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Vinaigrette

Start by blending the soy sauce, fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, kosher salt, and rice wine vinegar in a food processor. This mixture is where all the magic happens, creating a dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil so the vinaigrette emulsifies into a silky, perfectly balanced dressing that will coat every leaf and bite of your salad.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, then heat a skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable and sesame oils. Sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and beautifully golden. Resting the chicken before slicing lets the juices redistribute, so when you cut it crosswise into half-inch thick slices, it stays tender and juicy in the salad.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, julienned carrots, sliced scallions, and fresh cilantro leaves with half of the toasted almonds. This mix gives your salad that vibrant color and crunch base. Place the sliced chicken on top, then drizzle generously with your sesame vinaigrette. Finally, sprinkle the salad with crispy wontons, the rest of the toasted almonds, and white sesame seeds for an irresistible crunch and finish.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

A salad in a white bowl with a dark outer rim sits on a wooden board against a white marbled background. The base layer is bright green leafy lettuce covered with thin orange carrot strips and sliced light brown almonds. Over this, there are light beige fried wonton strips and finely chopped green onions. On the top is a layer of sliced light golden grilled chicken, sprinkled with sesame seeds. A woman's hand holds a spoon pouring a golden brown dressing over the chicken. In the background, there is a glass cup filled with more dressing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Extra garnishes can elevate this salad even further; consider adding thinly sliced radishes for a peppery bite or a handful of chopped fresh mint for an extra herbal note. A few chili flakes sprinkled on top add warmth that complements the sriracha in the dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone meal thanks to its generous protein and satisfying textures, but pairing it with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or simple vegetable spring rolls can round out your meal beautifully. A chilled jasmine tea or a lightly sweetened iced green tea pairs perfectly for a refreshing beverage accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can really heighten the eating experience. Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe in crisp lettuce cups for fun finger food, or arrange the chicken slices over the greens in neat rows for a restaurant-style look. Layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl also shows off the beautiful colors before tossing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep things fresh and crisp. The chicken and vinaigrette can stay in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, while the salad base is best kept cold and undressed.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and crunchy toppings, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture of the lettuce and crispy wontons will not hold up well once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat the sliced chicken gently in a microwave or on the stovetop before adding it back to fresh salad ingredients. This way you keep the chicken warm without wilting your greens or sogging the crisp elements.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver when making this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe, and it adds extra flavor from the seasoned chicken. Just slice it thinly and toss it in as directed.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh to make a delicious vegetarian variation. Marinate and pan-fry the tofu similarly to the chicken for that flavorful, hearty element.

What can I substitute for crispy wontons?

If you can’t find crispy wontons, try using crunchy fried onions or even crispy tortilla strips. They add a similar crunch and complement the salad’s textures nicely.

How spicy is this salad?

The sriracha in the vinaigrette gives just a gentle hint of heat, balanced by the sweetness of the hoisin and tanginess of the vinegar. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha to your taste.

Can this Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce and crispy wontons are gluten-free, or substitute them with suitable alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that hits every craving: fresh, crunchy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic treat. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it with friends. Once you do, this vibrant salad will no doubt become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe