Can I use store-bought crispy wonton strips instead of frying my own?

Absolutely! While homemade strips are unbeatable for freshness and crunch, the packaged kind will save even more time in a pinch.

Is there a gluten-free option for this salad?

Yes—you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). For the wonton strips, there are rice-based wrappers in some markets.

Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes, and it actually gets better as it sits! Make and chill up to three days ahead. Shake well before using.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Poached or roasted chicken breast will keep things lean, but don’t overlook rotisserie chicken for pure convenience (and flavor!). Just shred and go.

Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: 6 3-inch wonton skins, sliced into ¼″ strips; 2 tablespoons canola or corn oil, for frying; 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded; 2 green onions, chopped; ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted lightly; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta noodles, cooled; 1 ½ tablespoons grapeseed oil (or canola oil); 6 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (add more to taste if you prefer a strong sesame flavor); 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons light soy sauce; 2 tablespoon sesame seeds; ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe truly delivers on every front. It’s vibrant, supremely crunchy, and packed with so many addictive flavors, you’ll want to eat it straight from the mixing bowl. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad combines juicy shredded chicken, tender pasta, crisp lettuce, toasted almonds, and the irresistible crunch of fried wonton strips—tossed with a tangy-sweet sesame dressing. Whether you’re seeking a speedy weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or simply something different to shake up your salad routine, this dish is a game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 15 minutes. Yes, even if you’re new to frying wontons, it’s really that fast.
Texture Heaven: Between the crisp lettuce, soft noodles, crunchy almonds, chewy chicken, and golden wonton strips, every bite is a little celebration of contrasts.
Packed with Flavor: That bright, zippy sesame dressing ties everything together with notes of tangy vinegar, mellow soy, and a gentle sesame depth.
Filling and Satisfying: Thanks to the chicken and pasta, this is a salad that eats like a meal—no grazing and still feeling hungry an hour later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your salad bowl and get ready! Here’s your quick shopping and prep guide, with tips for every ingredient:

Wonton Skins: For making those unforgettable, crunchy salad toppers. Don’t skip these—homemade is so much better!
Canola or Corn Oil: Used for frying the wonton strips; makes them extra crisp and golden.
Romaine Lettuce: The base—sturdy, fresh, and super crunchy.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shred for texture. Rotisserie chicken also works beautifully and saves even more time.
Green Onions: Adds a subtly sharp bite and color.
Sliced Almonds: Lightly toasted for a nutty crunch.
Sesame Seeds: Toast for deeper flavor, used in both salad and dressing; those tiny seeds pack a punch.
Cooked Fusilli Pasta: Adds body and mild chew; any short pasta you like will work here.
Grapeseed or Canola Oil (Dressing): For a clean, neutral base.
Seasoned Rice Vinegar: Key for that bright, tangy hit—don’t substitute plain vinegar unless you must.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—this is what gives the dish its unmistakable Asian-inspired flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Balances out the tang of the vinegar and soy.
Light Soy Sauce: Adds mild saltiness and depth.
Fresh Ground Pepper & Kosher Salt: Season to taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This salad is flexible—don’t hesitate to switch things up. Here are some tasty ideas:

Protein Swap: Use poached shrimp, grilled turkey, or even tofu cubes for a vegetarian twist.
Veggie Boost: Shredded carrots, thinly sliced cabbage, or snap peas all fit right in.
Nut Change: Try cashews or peanuts for a different crunch.
Noodle Free: Skip the pasta; add extra lettuce or veggies for a lighter, carb-conscious version.
Dressing Experiment: Add a little grated ginger or a squeeze of lime to the dressing for extra brightness.

Don’t let an ingredient stop you—part of the fun is making it your own.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad

Step 1: Fry the Wonton Strips

Heat canola or corn oil in a skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, quickly fry the wonton strips in small batches until golden on both sides, about 30 seconds per side. They’ll crisp up as they cool—set them aside on paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large bowl, toss together chopped romaine, shredded chicken, green onions, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and cooked fusilli pasta. Give it a gentle fluff to mix.

Step 3: Mix the Sesame Dressing

In a jar or small bowl, combine grapeseed oil, seasoned rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, light soy sauce, sesame seeds, pepper, and salt. Shake or whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is blended into a tangy, aromatic dressing.

Step 4: Dress and Finish

Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of the dressing over the salad (start with less; you can always add more) and toss to coat. Top with extra sesame seeds and, just before serving, mound those crunchy wonton strips right on top for serious wow factor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool the Pasta: Run cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and avoid wilting your lettuce.
Fry in Batches: If you crowd the pan, the wonton strips will steam instead of crisp. Work in small batches for best results.
Taste the Dressing: Seasoned rice vinegar is milder and sweeter—taste as you go and adjust the sugar or soy sauce to your liking.
Assemble Just Before Serving: To keep all the textures lively, add the dressing and wonton strips just before you eat.

How to Serve

This Chinese Chicken Salad shines brightest served immediately, while the wonton strips are still crackly and the lettuce is icy fresh.

Pair it with:

A bowl of miso soup for a cozy touch.
Steamed dumplings or spring rolls if you’re turning dinner into a “takeout at home” experience.
Extra citrus wedges for even more brightness.
Serve on a large platter at a potluck—it disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store undressed salad (without wontons or dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep fried wonton strips and dressing separate in sealed containers.

Freezing

Not recommended: The lettuce and noodles won’t survive the freezer, and the wonton strips lose their crunch.

Reheating

There’s no reheating required here! If you want to refresh leftovers, toss in a few new lettuce leaves or fry up extra wonton strips.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought crispy wonton strips instead of frying my own?

Absolutely! While homemade strips are unbeatable for freshness and crunch, the packaged kind will save even more time in a pinch.
Is there a gluten-free option for this salad?

Yes—you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). For the wonton strips, there are rice-based wrappers in some markets.
Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes, and it actually gets better as it sits! Make and chill up to three days ahead. Shake well before using.
What’s the best chicken to use?

Poached or roasted chicken breast will keep things lean, but don’t overlook rotisserie chicken for pure convenience (and flavor!). Just shred and go.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s truly quick, full of lively flavors and crunchy satisfaction, this Chinese Chicken Salad should be on repeat in your kitchen. It’s the sort of recipe that tastes even better than it looks—plus, you can put your own spin on it every time. Roll up your sleeves and dive in; you may just find your new favorite salad. Happy cooking!