Crunchy, tangy salad with crispy wontons and sesame dressing
Chinese Chicken Salad
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
6 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chinese Chicken Salad
Crunchy, tangy salad with crispy wontons and sesame dressing
★4.5(24)
A crunchy Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, crispy wontons, mandarin oranges, and a sweet sesame-ginger dressing.
20m
Prep Time
5m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Chinese chicken salad is an American-Chinese classic that delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Crispy fried wonton strips, crunchy cabbage, tender shredded chicken, and sweet mandarin oranges all come together under a sweet-tangy sesame dressing.
It is the kind of salad that satisfies a craving for something crunchy and flavorful while still feeling virtuous. The key is adding the crispy elements just before serving.
The flavors in this dish reflect centuries of culinary tradition, adapted for the modern home kitchen. What makes Chinese Chicken Salad special is the balance — every element serves a purpose, and the interplay between ingredients creates something greater than any single component. With the right technique and a few key ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
A great salad is a carefully composed dish, not just a pile of greens. The key is contrast: crisp against soft, tangy against sweet, rich against bright. Dress it just before serving, toss thoroughly so every element is coated, and season boldly — underseasoned salads are the most common mistake in home cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup crispy wonton strips
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- 1
Combine shredded cabbage, romaine, and shredded chicken in a large bowl.
- 2
Add mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and shredded carrots.
- 3
Whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger for the dressing.
- 4
Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- 5
Top with crispy wonton strips and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Wonton stripsChow mein noodles
Both add the essential crunch.
Mandarin orangesFresh tangerine segments
More vibrant flavor when in season.
Napa cabbageGreen cabbage or romaine
Crunchier but works.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for the easiest preparation.
Add the wonton strips right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Toast almonds in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage of cooking — what tastes right before cooking often needs adjustment after.
Storage
Store undressed salad and dressing separately for up to 2 days. Add wonton strips at serving time.
Reheating
Salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not require reheating. If you have leftover dressed salad, it may be slightly wilted but still edible within a few hours.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: We love adding a handful of toasted seeds on top right before serving. It adds a nutty crunch that ties everything together.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1.5 cups) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein14g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat14g
Fiber3g
Sugar22g
Sodium560mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this actually Chinese?
- No. It is an American invention inspired by Chinese flavors, popularized in the 1960s.
- Can I use chow mein noodles instead of wonton strips?
- Yes. Crunchy chow mein noodles are a classic substitute.
- Can I make the dressing ahead?
- Most vinaigrettes keep for a week in the fridge. Creamy dressings keep for 3-5 days. Store in a jar and shake well before using.
- How do I keep the salad crisp?
- Dry your greens thoroughly, store undressed, and add dressing just before serving. A salad spinner is worth its weight in gold.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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