Name: Asian Wonton Chicken Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-493503H59M52S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar (to taste); 1/2 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon water – OR – ½ cup canola oil – OR – ½ cup avocado oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 4 chicken breast halves (baked or grilled); 2 heads red leaf lettuce; 3 10.5-ounce cans mandarin oranges (drained); 2 cucumbers (seeded and diced – OR – two English cucumbers, diced); 1 8-ounce package mushrooms (thinly sliced – optional); 2 8-ounce cans water chestnuts (drained and cut into matchstick pieces); 2 bunches green onions (chopped – green stems only); 3/4 of a 12-ounce package wonton wrappers (sliced into strips and deep fried); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

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Asian Wonton Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish that beautifully marries the savory, rich flavors of chicken with a medley of fresh produce. The star of this salad is undoubtedly the crispy wonton strips, providing delightful texture and a subtle hint of nuttiness. Tossed in a zesty dressing, the balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a winner, whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or as a standout item at your next gathering.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Asian Wonton Chicken Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Asian Wonton Chicken Salad

I first stumbled upon this masterpiece while experimenting with leftover rotisserie chicken, which remarkably transformed this salad into an easy crowd-pleaser. The fresh vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, and the occasional crunch of toasted sesame seeds create a symphony of taste with each bite. With its quick prep time of just 30 minutes, Asian Wonton Chicken Salad is perfect for anyone craving a healthy yet indulgent meal. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: A delightful mix of savory chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and aromatic sesame make every bite memorable.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors and enticing textures, this salad is sure to impress your guests and family.
Flexible Serving: Great as a light lunch, starter for a dinner party, or a dish for potlucks—it fits any occasion beautifully.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable, it can be made gluten-free or dairy-free based on your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/4 cup sugar (to taste): Used for balancing the tangy vinegar in the dressing. Feel free to use your favorite sweetener as an alternative.
1/2 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon water OR ½ cup canola oil OR ½ cup avocado oil: The oil acts as the base for the dressing, creating a rich, creamy consistency. Each option delivers different flavors—olive oil offers a more robust taste, while canola or avocado oil is mild.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavors. Adjust to personal preference or dietary requirements.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: This adds tartness and depth. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute but may slightly alter the flavor.
1/4 cup cider vinegar: Complements the rice vinegar and adds a robust, tangy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to taste.
4 chicken breast halves (baked or grilled): It’s best to use cooked chicken for this salad. You can also use leftover barbecue chicken for added flavor.
2 heads red leaf lettuce: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color. Other lettuce varieties like romaine can also be substituted.
3 10.5-ounce cans mandarin oranges (drained): They add a refreshing, sweet element that brightens the salad. Use fresh oranges if you prefer.
2 cucumbers (seeded and diced) OR two English cucumbers, diced: They provide a satisfying crunch and subtle flavor. English cucumbers have fewer seeds and can be left unpeeled.
1 8-ounce package mushrooms (thinly sliced, optional): While optional, they do add earthiness and umami. Use shiitake or button mushrooms, depending on availability.
2 8-ounce cans water chestnuts (drained and cut into matchstick pieces): For extra crunch and texture. They can be substituted with raw jicama if you’d prefer a fresher taste.
2 bunches green onions (chopped, green stems only): They offer a mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
¾ of a 12-ounce package wonton wrappers (sliced into strips and deep-fried): These give the salad a distinctive crunch. Baked wonton strips can be used for a healthier option.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: A charming finishing touch that adds nuttiness and flavor.

How to Make Asian Wonton Chicken Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup olive oil or your chosen oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup cider vinegar. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Cook the Chicken: Bake or grill your chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
Chop the Vegetables: While waiting on the chicken, wash and chop the red leaf lettuce. Seed and dice your cucumbers, thinly slice the mushrooms (if using), and cut the water chestnuts into matchstick pieces.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken, mandarin oranges, cucumbers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Fry the Wonton Strips: In a deep pot, heat oil over medium heat. Carefully add the sliced wonton wrappers and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Serve & Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with the toasted sesame seeds and the crispy wonton strips for that delightful crunch.

Storing & Reheating

To store your salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, store the crispy wonton strips separately, as they can become soggy. When reheating, quickly warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stove; however, it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid refreezing; instead, toss any leftovers for a quick lunch salad!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid sogginess: Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crunch.
Chicken alternatives: If you’re in a bind, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
Crunch factor: If deep-frying isn’t your thing, you can bake the wontons until crisp for a lighter option.
Texture tips: If you want even more crunch, consider adding chopped bell peppers or nuts like almonds or cashews.
Serving options: Dress the salad lightly for a refreshing meal, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to customize their bowls.

The beauty of Asian Wonton Chicken Salad lies in its versatility and fresh ingredients while satisfying those cravings for something delicious yet light. Each component contributes to a delicious mix of flavors and textures that you and your loved ones will adore. Feel free to adapt this recipe to include your favorite ingredients or make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Asian Wonton Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Toss together just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.

What can I substitute for the wonton wrappers?

If you prefer a healthier twist, you can use baked tortilla chips or even crunchy chickpeas as an alternative. These options will still provide a satisfying texture without the extra calories from frying.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian variation, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and avocado. You might also incorporate tofu for added protein.

How can I adjust the flavors to my liking?

This recipe is highly adaptable! If you love heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the sugar or honey in the dressing. Play around with the ingredients until it suits your taste perfectly!

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Asian Wonton Chicken Salad

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mix and toss
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

This Asian Wonton Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s an easy yet satisfying meal, perfect for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner at home. Enjoy a burst of flavor with each bite!

Ingredients

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1/4 cup sugar (to taste)
1/2 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon water – OR – ½ cup canola oil – OR – ½ cup avocado oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
4 chicken breast halves (baked or grilled)
2 heads red leaf lettuce
3 10.5-ounce cans mandarin oranges (drained)
2 cucumbers (seeded and diced – OR – two English cucumbers, diced)
1 8-ounce package mushrooms (thinly sliced – optional)
2 8-ounce cans water chestnuts (drained and cut into matchstick pieces)
2 bunches green onions (chopped – green stems only)
3/4 of a 12-ounce package wonton wrappers (sliced into strips and deep fried)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake or grill until fully cooked. Cube the chicken.
Wash and chop the red leaf lettuce.
In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, mandarin oranges, diced cucumbers, cubed chicken, and other vegetables. Toss gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, drizzle salad with dressing and toss lightly. Serve the crispy wonton strips on the side.
For the dressing, mix all ingredients in a blender or shaker until well combined. Avoid refrigerating the dressing before use, as it should be at room temperature when added to the salad. If too thick, thin with additional water. Ensure the dressing remains relatively thin.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the dressing beforehand.
Feel free to add more vegetables or fruits to the salad for added nutrition!
Serve immediately with wontons on the side to maintain their crispiness.