Name: Refreshing Chinois Chicken Salad: A Summer Flavor Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon Chinese Mustard or Dijon Mustard (adjust to taste); 1 large Egg Yolk (or mayonnaise for different texture); 1 tablespoon Honey (or agave syrup as vegan alternative); 2 tablespoons Tahini (or sunflower seed butter for allergies); 1 tablespoon Pickled Ginger (or fresh ginger as alternative); 1/2 cup Peanut Oil (or any neutral oil); 1 medium Mango (or pineapple for fruity twist); 4 cups Nappa Cabbage (or green cabbage); 2 medium Carrots (or zucchini as low-carb substitute); 1 cup Radicchio (or endive); 2 cups Romaine Lettuce (or iceberg/butter lettuce); 2 cups Chicken Breasts (or grilled tofu for vegetarian option); 1 cup Fried Wonton Strips (or crispy chow mein noodles); 1/2 cup Toasted Cashews (or almond slices/sunflower seeds)

As the sun begins to warm the days of summer, I find myself dreaming of vibrant plates filled with fresh ingredients and lively flavors. That’s where Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois Chicken Salad shines! This Asian chicken salad is a delightful mix of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together in a refreshing embrace. What truly excites me about this recipe is how quick it is to whip up—ready in just 35 minutes—making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, the balance of textures from every crunchy bite to the creamy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Curious about how to create this colorful dish at home and impress your family? Let’s dive into the making of this delicious summer salad!

Why is Chinois Chicken Salad a Must-Try?

Vibrant, Fresh Ingredients: This salad bursts with colors and flavors, featuring juicy mango and crisp nappa cabbage that celebrate the essence of summer dining.

Quick Preparation: Taking only 35 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet convenient.

Texture Contrast: Expect a delightful play of crunchy wonton strips, tender chicken, and creamy dressing—each bite keeps you coming back for more!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, this dish will impress even the toughest food critics. For a personal twist, try variations as with our Chicken Avocado Melt for a delightful side dish!

Health-Conscious Delight: With fresh, wholesome ingredients, this Asian chicken salad is a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies and nourishes. You’ll find yourself making it a regular on your summer menu!

Chinois Chicken Salad Ingredients

For the Dressing

• Soy Sauce – Provides umami flavor; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Rice Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity; can replace with apple cider vinegar if necessary.
• Chinese Mustard or Dijon Mustard – Offers spice; adjust to taste as it can be overpowering.
• Egg Yolk – Acts as an emulsifier; consider mayonnaise for a different texture.
• Honey – Sweetness balances the flavors; agave syrup is a great vegan alternative.
• Tahini – Adds creaminess; sunflower seed butter is an excellent substitute for allergies.
• Pickled Ginger – For a unique flavor; fresh ginger is a good alternative if pickled is unavailable.
• Peanut Oil – Contributes richness; can use any neutral oil instead.

For the Salad

• Mango – Adds sweetness to your Chinois chicken salad; try pineapple for a different fruity twist.
• Nappa Cabbage – Provides a crunchy texture; can swap with green cabbage if preferred.
• Carrots – Adds vibrant color and crunch; zucchini is a good low-carb substitute.
• Radicchio – Introduces a slightly bitter flavor; endive works similarly in taste.
• Romaine Lettuce – Offers crispiness; iceberg or butter lettuce can be used as alternatives.
• Chicken Breasts – A great source of protein; use grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Fried Wonton Strips – Adds delightful crunch; crispy chow mein noodles can be used instead.
• Toasted Cashews – For nuttiness; almond slices or sunflower seeds are good substitutes.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinois Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by combining soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Chinese mustard, egg yolk, honey, tahini, and pickled ginger in a blender. Blend these ingredients until they are smooth and well-integrated—about 30 seconds. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the peanut oil to create a creamy emulsion. This process should take another 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens and becomes uniform.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped nappa cabbage, julienned carrots, radicchio, and chopped romaine lettuce. Gently toss these vibrant ingredients together until evenly mixed. Once well integrated, drizzle in the prepared dressing gradually, ensuring every piece is coated without overdressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, balancing the flavors to your liking.

Step 3: Plate the Salad
Take six plates and portion the salad mixture evenly among them, crafting layers that showcase the colorful ingredients. For an appealing finish, top each serving with a generous handful of fried wonton strips and a sprinkle of toasted cashews. This step adds not only visual appeal but also a delightful crunch to your Chinois Chicken Salad.

Step 4: Make Wonton Strips
To create deliciously crispy wonton strips, slice the wonton wrappers into long strips. Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers—around 350°F. Carefully drop in the strips and fry for about 20 seconds or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the components are assembled, serve the Chinois Chicken Salad immediately while fresh. The contrast of textures from the crunchy wonton strips to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables creates an enticing dish that will delight your family and friends. This salad is perfect for warm summer days and is sure to become a favorite at gatherings.

Chinois Chicken Salad Variations

Ready to add your own twist to the classic Chinois Chicken Salad? Explore these fun options that will keep your taste buds delighted!

Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free dressing without sacrificing flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu and honey with agave syrup for a delicious plant-based alternative.
Fruit Forward: Swap mango for fresh pineapple to introduce a tropical sweetness that brightens your salad.
Herb Boost: Toss in fresh cilantro or mint to elevate the freshness of your salad with vibrant herb flavors.
Crunchy Additions: Incorporate bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch that complements the crisp veggies beautifully.
Creamy Dressing: For a richer touch, mix in some creamy avocado to the dressing for a smooth texture and added nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing to give your Chinois Chicken Salad a delightful heat.
Personal Touch: Create a flavorful side dish by pairing your salad with a warm Chicken Avocado Melt for a comforting meal experience.

With these variations, your Chinois Chicken Salad will never feel repetitive, keeping every bite exciting and fresh!

Expert Tips for Chinois Chicken Salad

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest vegetables and herbs possible; they enhance the overall flavor and crunch of your Chinois chicken salad.
Mind the Dressing: Start with a small amount of dressing and toss gently—it’s easy to overdress and overwhelm the fresh flavors and textures.
Warm Chicken Trick: Let your cooked chicken cool slightly before adding it to the salad; this helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
Perfect Wonton Strips: Ensure your oil is hot enough when frying wonton strips; this prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures a delightful crunch.
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with veggies based on your preference; adding bell peppers or snap peas not only boosts flavor but also adds color to your Chinois chicken salad.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dressing a day in advance to let the flavors meld beautifully; just toss it with the salad ingredients right before serving.

How to Store and Freeze Chinois Chicken Salad

Airtight Container: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; expect some wilting of veggies by then.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the salad sans dressing for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating: If you’ve added chicken, ensure to reheat it thoroughly in the microwave before combining it back with fresh salad components for best flavor.

Dressing Storage: Store any leftover dressing separately in the fridge for up to 5 days; give it a good shake before using it again on your Chinois chicken salad.

What to Serve with Chinois Chicken Salad

Set the stage for a delightful dining experience with perfect accompaniments that elevate your meal to new heights.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These savory bites add a satisfying crunch while their herbs and spices mirror the Asian flavors of the salad.
Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy, jasmine rice serves as a lovely base to soak up any extra dressing, complementing the dish beautifully.
Chilled Green Tea: Refreshing and subtly sweet, this drink balances the salad’s vibrant flavors while adding a touch of tradition.
Seared Scallops: Tender and rich, the sweetness of scallops pairs wonderfully with the salad’s fruitiness, creating a luxurious dining experience.
Fruit Sorbet: Light and refreshing, a scoop of mango or passion fruit sorbet cleanses the palate and indulges your sweet tooth after a savory meal.
Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, this light side adds extra crunch and a cool contrast to the warm flavors in the main dish.
Miso Soup: Silky and warming, a small bowl of miso soup complements the Chinois Chicken Salad’s Asian roots, enhancing your culinary journey.
Peach Iced Tea: A delightful twist to your beverage selection, this sweet and fruity drink provides a cooling refreshment to round out your meal nicely.

Make Ahead Options

These Chinois Chicken Salad components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, chop the vegetables, such as mango, nappa cabbage, and carrots, and keep them in separate containers for up to 24 hours before serving to ensure they stay crisp. When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together, adjusting the dressing to taste, and top with the fried wonton strips and cashews for that delightful crunch. This way, you’ll have a fresh, vibrant salad ready with minimal effort!

Chinois Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to choose ripe mangoes for this salad?
Absolutely! When selecting mangoes, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet, fruity aroma at the stem end. Color can vary, but a vibrant hue is often a good indicator of ripeness. Avoid any with dark spots all over, as they may be overripe.

How should I store leftovers of Chinois Chicken Salad?
For best results, keep your Chinois Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables might start to wilt after the first day, so it’s best consumed fresh. To keep the ingredients crisp, try storing the salad components separately until you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Can I freeze Chinois Chicken Salad?
Yes, you can freeze the salad, but I recommend storing it sans dressing for the best quality! Simply place the salad ingredients in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and add your dressing fresh before serving. This will help maintain the texture and flavors of the ingredients perfectly!

What can I do if my chicken turns out dry?
Very! If your chicken ends up dry, try brining it for about 30 minutes in a mixture of water and salt before cooking; this helps to lock in moisture. Additionally, avoid overcooking it by using an instant-read thermometer — 165°F is your sweet spot for perfectly juicy chicken! Rest the chicken for a few minutes post-cooking before slicing to retain its juices.

Is this salad safe for those with nut allergies?
Definitely! If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, simply omit the toasted cashews and consider substituting them with crispy chickpeas for added crunch instead. Just make sure to check all other ingredients for potential cross-contamination as well.

How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?
The dressing can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep it at its best, give it a good shake or whisk before using it again, since it may separate after sitting. If you have made extra, consider using it on other salads or as a delicious dipping sauce!