Name: Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup light olive oil or vegetable oil; 3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter; 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger; 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic (1 large clove); 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), or more to taste; 1/2 large head romaine lettuce, shredded; 1/2 medium head Napa cabbage, cored and shredded; 3 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken breast; 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced; 1 large carrot, juliened; 4 green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup rough chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup rough chopped peanuts or cashews; 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional); Fried wonton strips, homemade or store-bought (optional)

There’s something so fresh and satisfying about the perfect blend of crunchy veggies and rich flavors in a Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe. The creamy, tangy peanut dressing brings everything to life, making it a go-to lunch or light dinner that never feels boring.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad that has four main layers: at the bottom is a bed of green leafy lettuce with light green and darker green leaves, on top of that are thin orange carrot strips and bright red bell pepper slices scattered evenly. The third layer has shredded light beige chicken pieces spread around, mixed with chopped peanuts and fresh green cilantro leaves. The top layer is drizzled with a creamy light brown dressing and sprinkled with black sesame seeds and crispy golden fried strips. The bowl sits on a soft blue cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely enjoy this salad because it’s a wonderful harmony of textures and flavors. The peanut dressing is creamy with just the right amount of tang and spice, and it complements the fresh crunch of napa cabbage and romaine beautifully. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together even on busy days.

Easy Prep: You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor Explosion: The peanut dressing is rich, tangy, and slightly spicy, creating a perfect balance that makes this salad memorable.
Fresh & Crunchy: The crisp romaine and napa cabbage give every bite delightful texture contrasts.
Versatile & Customizable: You can swap ingredients or add more toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here has a purpose, whether it’s the crisp texture, the fresh punch of herbs, or the depth the dressing brings. When I shop for this salad, I always look for fresh greens and ripe bell peppers—the better quality your produce, the brighter the salad tastes.

Flat lay of a halved large romaine lettuce with shredded leaves, half a medium head of shredded Napa cabbage, a mound of shredded cooked rotisserie chicken breast, one large red bell pepper sliced into strips, one large julienned carrot, four green onions sliced into rounds, a small pile of roughly chopped cilantro leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl with light olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl of honey, a small pile of peeled and minced fresh ginger, a small pile of minced garlic cloves, a pinch of Chinese five spice powder arranged neatly, a small sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a small pile of roughly chopped peanuts, and a small white ceramic bowl with toasted sesame seeds, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Light olive oil or vegetable oil: Acts as a neutral base for the dressing so the peanut flavor shines.
Creamy peanut butter: Gives the dressing that rich, satisfying creaminess and nutty depth.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds an irresistible toasted aroma and enhances the Asian-inspired flavors.
Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance sweetness and acidity.
Rice vinegar: Provides the clean, sharp acidity needed for brightening the dressing.
Fresh lime juice: Adds zing and freshness, elevating the dressing’s tanginess.
Honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
Ginger: Offers warmth and a subtle spicy kick.
Garlic: Enhances complexity with its pungent, savory notes.
Chinese five spice (optional): Adds a subtle aromatic depth if you want a layered flavor experience.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Bring some heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and slightly bitter, it forms the fresh base of the salad.
Napa cabbage: Juicy and crunchy, it plays beautifully off the romaine’s texture.
Rotisserie chicken breast: Cooked and shredded, it adds protein and convenience.
Red bell pepper: Sweet, colorful crunch that adds contrast and nutrition.
Carrot: Sweetness and snap to complement the cabbage and lettuce.
Green onions: Mild onion flavor that brightens without overpowering.
Cilantro: Fresh herbal brightness that you can’t miss in a good Asian-inspired salad.
Peanuts or cashews: Serve as crunchy, nutty toppings for extra texture and flavor.
Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Additional nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Fried wonton strips (optional): Fun, crispy garnish for extra indulgence.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This is one of those recipes I love tweaking. Sometimes I like to add crunchy chow mein noodles for a different twist, or swap cilantro for fresh mint when I’m craving something a bit brighter. Don’t hesitate to add your own spin!

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken breast for grilled shrimp once, and it added a lovely smoky flavor that worked brilliantly with the peanut dressing.
Dietary Mod: To make it vegan, just replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
Seasonal Change: In the colder months, adding shredded kale or roasted sweet potatoes can warm it up while keeping the spirit of the salad.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains a smooth, light brown sauce with tiny bubbles on its surface. A silver metal whisk with thin loops is partially dipped into the sauce, resting slightly to the left inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Peanut Dressing

I start by combining the oils, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and spices in a medium bowl. Whisking until everything is smooth and creamy is key here—no clumps of peanut butter! I like to refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let all those flavors marry, but if you’re in a rush, a quick 15-minute chill in the freezer works well, too.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Salad Ingredients

While the dressing chills, shred your romaine and napa cabbage finely. I find that shredding by hand with a sharp knife is worth the extra effort for that perfect texture. Then add thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to a large bowl. Toss in the shredded chicken just before serving to keep it tender and juicy.

Step 3: Toss Salad and Dress Just Before Serving

Add your chilled peanut dressing to the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. If you give it too much rough mixing, the greens can bruise, so I usually add the dressing gradually or serve it on the side if guests prefer to dress their own bowls. Top everything off with chopped peanuts or cashews, and toasted sesame seeds if you like, for that extra crunch.

Step 4: Optional Crunch & Final Touch

For a bit of indulgence, sprinkle some fried wonton strips over the top. They add a fun texture and a light savory punch that never fails to impress friends at dinner parties.

Top Tip

I learned so much about balancing flavors making this salad for family gatherings. The trick is to trust your palate—don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning, especially soy sauce or lime juice, to suit your taste. Here are a few additional tips from my kitchen adventures:

Peanut Dressing Consistency: If your dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of warm water, whisking slowly until you have a pourable texture.
Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the cilantro—it really lifts the salad. If you’re not a fan, try fresh basil or mint for a different but equally fresh note.
Keep Salad Crisp: Add dressing just before serving to keep the greens from wilting; if prepping ahead, keep salad and dressing separate.
Toasted Nuts: Toast your peanuts or cashews lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before chopping—they’ll taste fresher and more aromatic.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes are the chopped peanuts for crunch, fresh cilantro for brightness, and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If I have them on hand, fried wonton strips add that irresistible light crispiness. You could even toss in some thinly sliced red chili for a subtle spicy kick.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own as a meal, but if you want to serve something alongside, jasmine rice or coconut rice works beautifully. For a heartier meal, steamed dumplings or vegetable spring rolls make a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

I love serving this salad in individual bowls garnished with extra herbs and nuts at casual dinner parties. For a picnic or potluck, layering the salad ingredients in a large jar with dressing at the bottom keeps everything crisp until you’re ready to toss and eat—it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salad components separately from the dressing to keep the greens fresh. If mixed, the salad will wilt quickly. The chopped veggies and chicken keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and salad dressing, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled salad. However, you can freeze leftover cooked chicken to use later in another version of this dish.

Reheating

When reheating leftover chicken for the salad, I warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop without drying it out. Just toss it back with fresh salad ingredients and freshly made dressing for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the peanut dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! I usually prepare the peanut dressing a day in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors deepen and blend more beautifully.

What can I substitute if I don’t have peanut butter?

You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you want to keep that rich nutty element but need an alternative to peanut butter. Just make sure it’s smooth and creamy for the best dressing texture.

Is this Chinese Chicken Salad served cold or warm?

Traditionally, this salad is served cold or at room temperature. The fresh veggies and chilled peanut dressing make it a refreshing dish, especially perfect for warmer weather or light meals.

Can I use other types of greens besides romaine and napa cabbage?

Definitely! While romaine and napa cabbage give the perfect crunch and flavor balance, you can swap in kale, spinach, or even mixed salad greens if that’s what you have. Just adjust the dressing amount since some greens are more delicate.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe has become a staple in my meal rotation because it’s just that good—fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying without being heavy. It’s my go-to when I want something vibrant and healthy that still feels a little indulgent. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and customize—just gather your ingredients, whip up that dressing, and enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness. Give it a try; I promise it’ll become one of your favorites, too!