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Fresh Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Crispy Crunch and Zesty Dressing

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A quick and easy fresh Chinese chicken salad featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp Napa and red cabbage, crunchy wonton strips, and a zesty soy-sesame dressing. Perfect for light lunches, family gatherings, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (poached or rotisserie)
  • 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ½ cup crispy wonton strips (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes

Instructions

  1. If cooking chicken fresh, poach two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering water for about 15 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and let cool. Shred into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, shred and skip to next step.
  2. Thinly slice Napa cabbage and red cabbage. Julienne or shred the carrot and slice green onions thinly. Chop fresh cilantro. Toss all vegetables and herbs into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and optional chili flakes until honey is fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour the dressing over the shredded chicken and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Add toasted almonds and crispy wonton strips last, folding them in carefully to keep the crunch intact.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Notes

Add wonton strips just before serving to keep them crispy. You can prep chicken and veggies a day ahead but keep dressing and crunchy toppings separate until serving. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free crunchy toppings like rice noodles or nuts. Adjust dressing seasoning to taste depending on soy sauce brand. Fresh ginger adds essential zesty flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese chicken salad, fresh salad, crispy wonton strips, zesty dressing, easy chicken salad, healthy salad, quick lunch, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-chinese-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-crunch-and-zesty-dressing/