If you’ve ever craved a crunchy, fresh salad that delivers big on flavor and texture, you’re going to be thrilled with this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe. It’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something light yet satisfying, loaded with vibrant veggies, tender shredded chicken, and that addictive peanut dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just simple chopping and whisking, perfect for any skill level.
- Balanced Flavors: The peanut dressing perfectly balances sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes for a flavor-packed punch.
- Crunchy & Fresh: A vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, cabbage, and veggies keeps every bite refreshing.
- Customizable: You can swap veggies, add nuts, or tweak the spice level to perfectly suit your taste buds.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe shines because of its thoughtful ingredient combo. Crisp romaine and Napa cabbage give great crunch, while the peanut dressing ties everything together with its rich, nutty depth and a gentle zing of lime and ginger. Plus, picking a good rotisserie chicken takes this from “meh” to “wow” in minutes.
- Light Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral base that carries flavors without overpowering the dressing.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the dressing—go for natural or creamy varieties for that luscious texture.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, aromatic note that gives the dressing authentic Asian flair.
- Soy Sauce: Brings savory umami, balancing the sweetness and acidity in the dressing.
- Rice Vinegar & Fresh Lime Juice: These two add bright, tangy notes to cut through the richness.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing thoughtfully without being cloying.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is key here—it gives zing and warmth, making the dressing pop.
- Chinese Five Spice & Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): These give you the option to add subtle warmth and complexity—the five spice especially elevates the flavor.
- Romaine Lettuce & Napa Cabbage: Both crunchy and refreshing, they form a solid base that can hold up well under the creamy dressing.
- Cooked Rotisserie Chicken Breast: Shredded for easy eating and packed with juicy protein to make this a hearty meal.
- Red Bell Pepper & Carrot: Add bright color and natural sweetness, plus a fresh crunch.
- Green Onions & Cilantro: For fresh, slightly spicy and herbaceous notes that brighten each bite.
- Peanuts or Cashews: These nuts add that perfect finishing crunch and enhance the peanut dressing’s flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds & Fried Wonton Strips (Optional): These elevate texture and add a little extra fun, but they’re totally optional depending on what you have on hand.
Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve played with the veggies and protein depending on what’s in season or what I have in the fridge—and you should totally do the same!
- Variation: I sometimes swap out rotisserie chicken for shredded cooked tofu to make it vegetarian, and honestly, it still rocks.
- Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha right into the dressing.
- Veggie Swaps: Cucumber, snap peas, or even thinly sliced radishes work beautifully for extra crunch and color.
- Nuts and Seeds: Try swapping peanuts for chopped almonds or walnuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together That Magical Peanut Dressing
Start by mixing your oils, peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and if you’re using them, Chinese five spice and red pepper flakes. Whisk these until you get a smooth, creamy dressing. I love giving it a little taste here—and adjust the honey or lime if I want it sweeter or tangier. Once that’s done, pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes (or 15 if you’re in a rush). Chilling really helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Base
While the dressing chills, shred the romaine lettuce and Napa cabbage. These two together give you the perfect crunchy foundation. Then slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, julienne the carrot, chop up the green onions, and roughly chop the cilantro. Don’t forget to shred your cooked rotisserie chicken breast for protein-packed goodness.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a large serving bowl, toss the lettuce, cabbage, chicken, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and cilantro until everything is nicely mixed. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the peanuts or cashews and, if you’re using, the toasted sesame seeds on top for some extra crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Add the chilled peanut dressing to the entire salad and toss everything together just before serving. If you like, dress individual servings—this keeps the veggies extra crisp if you’re saving leftovers. Add in some crunchy fried wonton strips for an extra joyful texture boost if you have them handy.
Pro Tips for Making Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ingredients here make a huge difference; avoid powders for the best flavor.
- Chill Your Dressing: Chilling helps flavors meld and thickens the dressing so it clings beautifully to the salad.
- Toss Just Before Serving: To keep that satisfying crunch, wait until the last moment to dress your salad.
- Don’t Skip the Peanuts: They add essential texture and complement the peanut dressing perfectly —roast them lightly if you want an extra flavor kick.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with chopped peanuts or cashews and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If I’m feeling fancy or serving guests, I add crispy fried wonton strips for that irresistible crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top add a fresh herbal note that I just love.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a main, but I like pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or simple dumplings for a fuller Asian-inspired meal. It also goes great alongside some light miso soup or hot and sour soup if you want a cozy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I sometimes serve this salad in individual lettuce cups or pretty glass bowls so the colorful veggies really pop. It’s also fantastic layered in a large glass trifle bowl for a buffet-style meal where guests can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep the lettuce crisp. When it’s time to eat, I toss everything back together fresh. This keeps leftovers tasting great for 1-2 days.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh veggies get soggy and the dressing can separate. Instead, freeze any extra cooked chicken before assembling the salad for best results.
Reheating
If you’ve got leftover chicken and veggies un-dressed, just reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or skillet, then toss with fresh veggies and our delicious peanut dressing chilled. The salad is best served fresh rather than reheated once combined.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different protein besides chicken in this salad?
Absolutely! While shredded rotisserie chicken is easy and delicious, you can swap in grilled shrimp, tofu, or even cooked pork depending on your preference. Just be sure to shred or slice it thinly so it blends well with the crunchy veggies.
-
Is this Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other fresh ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and tasty option.
-
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Definitely prep the veggies and shredded chicken in advance, and make the dressing too. Keep the dressing chilled and store separately until just before serving so the salad stays crisp and fresh.
-
What can I substitute for Chinese five spice?
If you don’t have Chinese five spice on hand, don’t worry—it’s optional in the recipe. You can leave it out or substitute a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise if you want a similar aromatic touch.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a comforting favorite in my kitchen. The combination of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and that luscious peanut dressing hits all the right notes. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become your quick weeknight staple and something you look forward to sharing with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Print
Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A fresh and flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp romaine and Napa cabbage, colorful vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing with hints of sesame and lime. Perfect for a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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 oil, peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the dressing: Transfer the dressing to the fridge and chill preferably for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or freeze for 15 minutes if short on time.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl toss together shredded romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced red bell pepper, juliened carrot, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro until evenly combined.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts or cashews and toasted sesame seeds over the salad for crunch and flavor.
- Dress the salad and serve: Pour the chilled dressing over the entire salad and toss to coat thoroughly, or add dressing to individual servings. Serve immediately after dressing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Optional sesame seeds and fried wonton strips are not included in the nutrition estimate.
- Use light olive oil or vegetable oil for a neutral flavor in the dressing.
- For extra crunch, add fried wonton strips just before serving.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or substitute with tofu.
