This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This recipe is inspired by my favorite Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad from California Chicken Cafe. I love all of the different textures in every bite, from the fresh chopped vegetables to cooked pasta and the crunchy fried wonton strips. The best part is the delicious Asian inspired dressing – it’s tangy, a little sweet, and so good with the salad!
Watch the Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Below!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements!
- romaine lettuce – I like romaine in this (like in my Chicken Lettuce Wraps); you can use the lettuce of your choice
- cooked chicken breast – you can use either light or dark chicken meat
- canned mandarin oranges – make sure to drain the mandarin oranges! I enjoy canned mandarin oranges in salads but you can also use fresh citrus.
- wonton strips – fried wonton strips are so easy to make – I also eat fried wonton chips with Crab Rangoon Dip!
- cooked fusilli pasta – I always like some kind of carb in my salad – cooked fusilli is my go-to for this salad but you can use another short pasta OR leave it out.
Dressing
- avocado oil – I recommend using avocado oil for dressings.
- rice vinegar – if you dont have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar
- honey – maple syrup would work as well
- fresh orange juice – fresh orange juice really makes the dressing bright and acidic!
Recipe Instructions
This recipe is SO simple – all you have to do is:
- chop the ingredients, cook the pasta, and fry the wonton strips
- make the salad dressing
- add salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl or salad bowl (I always recommend using one that is larger than you think you need, as it makes it easier to toss)
- add dressing and toss!
How to Fry Wonton Strips:
In a large pot or heavy bottomed dutch oven, heat neutral oil to 375 degrees; fry the wonton strips for 15-30 seconds or until they are golden brown. They will fry QUICK, so keep a close eye on then. The wonton chips will continue to darken after they are removed from the oil, so don’t worry if they look too pale.
Serve this delicious salad with Grilled Chicken Wings or Grilled Chicken Thighs for a perfect summer meal! If you don’t want to grill, make my Baked Chicken Thighs or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs instead!
Storage, Reheating, and Make Ahead Tips
Store any leftover Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Chopped vegetables will always soften and release moisture as it sits in the refrigerator – this is normal. I would store the mandardin oranges, fried wonton strips, and dressing separately from the salad. The dressing can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If you want to make this ahead of time, I would chop all of the vegetables, cook the pasta, and make the dressing the day before. Anything longer than 24 hours in advance and I think the vegetables will be too wilted. When ready to serve, add all of the chopped vegetables, mandarin oranges, and pasta in a salad bowl or mixing bowl; toss with the dressing and serve!
If you tried this Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Chopped Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup wonton strips
- 1 cup cooked fusilli pasta
Dressing
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or heavy bottomed dutch oven, heat 2 cups of neutral oil to 375F ; fry the wonton strips for 15-30 seconds or until they are a pale golden brown. Drain immediately to a paper towel where they will continue to darken.
- In a small bowl mix together avocado oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, orange juice, grated garlic, grated ginger, sesame seeds kosher salt and pepper.
- In a large salad bowl, add all the chopped romaine lettuce, chicken breast, red cabbage, carrots, mandarin oranges, green onion, almonds, crispy wonton strips, and pasta. Pour over the salad dressing and toss well. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
