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Fresh Chopped Asian Chicken Salad Recipe with Crispy Wonton Strips

fresh chopped asian chicken salad - featured image

A crunchy, fresh Asian chicken salad featuring bite-sized chicken, crisp veggies, and crispy wonton strips tossed in a tangy-sweet sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped (leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 2 cups Napa cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint (optional)
  • 6 wonton wrappers, cut into thin strips
  • Vegetable oil for frying (or baking if preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, chopped roasted peanuts or cashews

Instructions

  1. Cut 6 wonton wrappers into thin strips about ¼ inch wide.
  2. Heat 1 to 1½ cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry wonton strips in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Alternatively, toss strips lightly in oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
  3. Finely chop 2 cups cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Finely shred 2 cups Napa cabbage, shred 1 cup carrots, dice 1 red bell pepper, and thinly slice 3 green onions. Chop fresh cilantro and mint if using.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  6. In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything.
  7. Just before serving, gently fold in crispy wonton strips. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts or cashews if desired.

Notes

Add wonton strips last to keep their crunch. Store salad and dressing separately from wonton strips if prepping ahead. Use tamari or coconut aminos and gluten-free wonton wrappers for gluten-free version. Honey preferred over maple syrup for paleo and dairy-free. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint brighten the salad. Fry wontons in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid burning. Baking or air-frying wontons is a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, chopped chicken salad, crispy wonton strips, healthy lunch, quick salad recipe, sesame ginger dressing, fresh salad