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
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 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.
