Description
A fresh and flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad featuring a crunchy mix of romaine, Napa cabbage, shredded rotisserie chicken, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a creamy peanut sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes with a satisfying crunch from peanuts and optional wonton strips.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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, 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)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together light olive oil or vegetable oil, creamy peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, peeled and minced ginger, minced garlic, Chinese five spice, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the dressing: Transfer the prepared dressing to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, freeze for 15 minutes for quicker cooling.
- Prepare the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, shredded Napa cabbage, cooked shredded rotisserie chicken breast, sliced red bell pepper, juliened carrot, sliced green onions, and roughly chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts or cashews and toasted sesame seeds over the salad, adding fried wonton strips if using for extra crunch.
- Toss and serve: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Serve immediately after adding dressing to maintain salad crispness.
Notes
- Chilling the dressing enhances the flavors and helps it thicken slightly for better coating.
- Sesame seeds and fried wonton strips are optional but add nice texture and flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor; leftover cooked chicken can also be used.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dressing.
- If peanut allergies are a concern, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
