Name: Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 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; 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, juliened; 4 green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup rough chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup rough chopped peanuts or cashews; 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional); Fried wonton strips, homemade or store-bought (optional)

There’s something about a salad that just feels so fresh yet satisfying, and this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. The crunch of fresh veggies combined with tender chicken and a creamy, tangy peanut dressing makes it truly unforgettable. Trust me, you’ll want this on your regular rotation!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe and how instantly it became a favorite. What makes it special is not just the flavors but the layers of texture and the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy in the dressing. Plus, it’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.

Amazing Flavor Combo: The peanut dressing blends creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that brighten up every bite.
Crunchy and Fresh: Crisp lettuce, cabbage, and bell pepper add satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add more veggies or swap nuts, this salad adapts to what you have on hand.
Perfectly Balanced: The dressing isn’t too heavy or oily, making it a refreshing but filling meal choice.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this salad brings something special to the table — literally! The crunchy veggies provide freshness, the chicken adds protein and comfort, and the peanut dressing ties it all together with flavor harmony. When shopping, look for crisp greens and fresh chicken to elevate your salad.

Light olive oil or vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for the dressing, allowing peanut flavor to shine.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the dressing, offering richness and that classic peanut taste.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth, don’t skip this!
Soy sauce: Brings that salty umami punch to balance sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Adds necessary acidity that brightens up the dressing.
Fresh lime juice: For a zesty tang, always use fresh for best flavor.
Honey: Gives a touch of sweetness to mellow out the sharp edges.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds vibrant warmth and slight spice.
Garlic: Minced garlic deepens the savory flavor profile.
Chinese five spice (optional): Adds complexity with subtle warmth and fragrance.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Gives just a gentle kick if you like some heat.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy, holds up well under the dressing without wilting fast.
Napa cabbage: Provides a lighter, crunchy contrast that’s refreshing.
Cooked shredded rotisserie chicken breast: Convenient and juicy, perfect for a quick meal.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, vibrant color too.
Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and crunch with a pop of color.
Green onions: Mild onion flavor that brightens the salad.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and a little zing.
Peanuts or cashews: Crunchy and salty contrast to the creamy dressing.
Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Small nutty bursts perfect for texture.
Fried wonton strips (optional): Adds an irresistible crispy element if you want to go the extra mile.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this salad depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. The foundation is flexible, and that’s part of the fun—you can totally make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out rotisserie chicken for grilled shrimp, which adds a slightly smoky flavor and keeps things fresh during warmer months.
Veggie boost: Add shredded purple cabbage or thinly sliced cucumbers for extra color and crunch.
Lighter version: Use less peanut butter in the dressing and add more lime juice to keep it bright but less rich.
Make it vegan: Use tofu instead of chicken and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk up that luscious peanut dressing

I always start by making the peanut dressing because it gives those flavors time to meld beautifully. Combine the oil, creamy peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy — a whisk does wonders here! Then, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill. If you’re short on time, freezing for 15 minutes helps it thicken up nicely.

Step 2: Prepare the crunchy veggies and chicken

While the dressing chills, shred your romaine and Napa cabbage nice and thin so every bite is crisp. Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken for easy, flavorful protein—you don’t want dry chicken here, so I like to use fresh deli-style or leftover rotisserie. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and julienne the carrot. Chop the green onions and roughly chop cilantro—it adds such a fresh punch!

Step 3: Toss and top

In a large bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients except the nuts and optional garnishes. Add the peanuts or cashews and toasted sesame seeds right on top. When you’re ready to eat, pour the peanut dressing over the entire salad and toss to coat evenly—if you prefer, you can dress individual servings to keep things crisp longer.

Top Tip

From my cooking adventures with this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe, I’ve learned a few simple tips that make a big difference.

Homemade peanut butter: If you can, use freshly ground peanut butter or natural creamy peanut butter for the best flavor. It makes the dressing taste incredibly fresh.
Chill the dressing: Giving the dressing time to rest lets the ginger and garlic infuse, softening their sharpness and marrying all flavors, which really elevates the salad.
Add toppings last: Toss the nuts and wonton strips in just before serving to keep them crunchy, a texture contrast I absolutely adore.
Don’t overdress: Start with less dressing and add more as needed. This prevents soggy lettuce and keeps everything crisp.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my salad with roughly chopped peanuts for crunchy bursts and toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty kick. Sometimes I add crispy fried wonton strips if I want a little indulgence—they bring an irresistible crunch that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light, Asian-inspired sides like steamed jasmine rice, miso soup, or even a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar. For a complete meal, I sometimes add spring rolls or potstickers on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this salad in individual mason jars layered beautifully with veggies at the bottom, chicken next, nuts and herbs sprinkled on top, and dressing in a small side jar. Guests love assembling their own bowls, and it keeps everything fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate for best results. Store salad components in an airtight container in the fridge and add dressing only when ready to serve—it preserves crunchiness beautifully.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and dressing, I don’t recommend freezing this salad; the texture just doesn’t hold up well. However, you can freeze cooked chicken ahead of time to save prep later.

Reheating

Since this is best served chilled and fresh, I usually just toss leftovers with fresh greens if the veggies have softened. If your chicken is cold from the fridge, I find a few seconds in the microwave or on the stovetop helps it warm up without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different nut flavor, almond butter or cashew butter works well, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Just make sure the alternative is creamy for a smooth dressing.

How long can I store the prepared salad with dressing?

It’s best to store the salad ingredients and dressing separately and combine just before serving for the freshest taste and texture. Once tossed with dressing, the salad is best eaten within a few hours to avoid sogginess.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap cooked shredded chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free vegan option, and keep all the fresh veggies and dressing components the same for a delicious plant-based salad.

What’s the best way to keep the wonton strips crispy?

Add wonton strips right before serving. If you prepare them ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture, so they stay crisp until ready to use. Avoid tossing them with dressing to keep their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe really is a personal favorite of mine because it strikes the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish I crave when I want something healthy yet satisfying, and it’s always a hit when I make it for friends. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do—grab those ingredients and get ready to make your weeknight meals (or next gathering) so much more exciting!