Oh, let’s talk about salads for a minute. Don’t you just love a good salad? Especially one packed with flavor and texture? I know I do! But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably faced the ultimate salad disappointment: soggy crispy bits.

That beautiful, crunchy topping you were looking forward to? After just a few minutes swimming in dressing, it turns into a sad, limp mess. It’s a tragedy, really! This is especially true for classic chicken salad and, you guessed it, Asian Chicken Salad, where those fantastic wonton strips are key to the whole experience.

Well, get ready for a game-changer! I’ve cracked the code to keeping those wonderfully crispy wonton strips just that – crispy – in your Asian Chicken Salad until the very last glorious bite. It’s a simple trick, but it makes all the difference in elevating this salad from good to absolutely unforgettable.

This Asian-inspired salad combines tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy nuts, all tied together with a vibrant, savory-sweet dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or bringing to a potluck (where the crispy trick is a major crowd-pleaser!). Let’s dive into making this delicious and perfectly textured salad.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Salad

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy and delicious Asian Chicken Salad. It’s more than just a bowl of greens; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures!

The Perfect Balance: This salad hits all the right notes – the crispness of the lettuce and wontons, the tenderness of the chicken, the juicy sweetness of the mandarin oranges, and the savory, tangy dressing.
That Crispy Trick! Let’s be honest, the main reason to try this recipe is the guaranteed crunch. No more soggy wonton strips!
Quick & Easy: If you have cooked chicken on hand (hello, leftovers!), this salad comes together in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Vibrant & Fresh: It’s a light and refreshing meal, packed with fresh ingredients and bright flavors.
Customizable: While the base is fantastic, you can easily add other ingredients to make it your own (more on that in the tips section!).

Gathering Your Ingredients for Asian Chicken Salad

Building this flavorful Asian Chicken Salad starts with selecting quality ingredients. We’re aiming for a mix of fresh greens, hearty protein, sweet and tangy fruit, and those essential crunchy elements. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few notes on why they make this salad shine:

Save For Later!

For the Fresh Base:

Approximately 6 cups chopped mixed lettuce: You want a good volume of greens. Using a mix like romaine, iceberg, or even spring mix gives you varied textures and nutrients. Ensure it’s well-washed and thoroughly dried – excess water can contribute to sogginess, even before the dressing goes on!

For the Protein & Sweetness:

2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or shredded: Cooked chicken is your protein powerhouse. You can bake, grill (like our grilled lemon herb chicken!), or poach chicken breasts specifically for this, or simply use up leftovers. Slicing or shredding works equally well, depending on your preference.
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained: These little bursts of sunshine add a wonderful sweetness and tangy counterpoint to the savory components. Make sure they are well drained so they don’t introduce extra liquid to the salad base.

For the Crunchy Toppers:

1 cup crispy wonton strips: Ah, the star crunch! You can buy these pre-made from the salad or international aisle of your grocery store. Their light, airy crispness is essential to the classic Asian Chicken Salad experience.
1/4 cup slivered almonds: Almonds add another layer of nutty crunch. Slivered almonds distribute nicely throughout the salad.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal. Toasted sesame seeds offer an even richer flavor.

For the Signature Asian-Inspired Dressing:

This dressing is incredibly simple but packs a punch of flavor, balancing salty, sweet, and acidic notes.

1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides the essential savory, umami base. Choose low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: Creates the body of the dressing and helps emulsify the ingredients. Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed oil works too.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds crucial acidity to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness. Look for unseasoned rice vinegar.
2 tablespoons sugar or honey: Sweetness is key to balancing the salty soy sauce and tangy vinegar. Use granulated sugar or liquid honey – both work beautifully!
1 tablespoon sesame oil: This is your flavor secret weapon! Toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor profile. A little goes a long way.

Having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start assembling makes the process smooth and enjoyable. This simple list is the foundation for a truly fantastic Asian Chicken Salad.

Crafting Your Asian Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step

Making this salad is wonderfully straightforward, but paying attention to the order and technique – especially the one for the wonton strips – is crucial for that perfect outcome. Let’s walk through it together:

Build Your Salad Base: Start by getting your main components into a large mixing bowl. Combine the approximately 6 cups of chopped mixed lettuce, the sliced cooked chicken breasts, and the well-drained mandarin oranges. Using a large bowl gives you plenty of room to toss everything comfortably later without making a mess. Ensure the mandarin oranges are thoroughly drained to avoid adding excess liquid to the greens at this stage.
Whip Up the Flavorful Dressing: Now, let’s create that signature Asian-inspired dressing. Grab a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Measure out the 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener (sugar or honey), and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. If using a bowl, whisk everything together vigorously until it’s well combined and looks slightly emulsified. If using a jar, simply screw on the lid tightly and shake, shake, shake! Taste it and adjust the sweetness or tang if you like – this dressing is quite forgiving.
Implement the Crispy Trick – The Golden Rule: Here is the absolute KEY to keeping those wonton strips crunchy! This is a fundamental difference from many standard salad recipes. At this stage, or any stage before serving, you must NOT add the crispy wonton strips to the main salad bowl with the lettuce and other ingredients. The dressing, even before it’s tossed, will start to soften them. Keeping them separate is non-negotiable for maximum crispness.
Add the Remaining Base Ingredients: While the wonton strips are on standby, go ahead and add the 1/4 cup of slivered almonds and the 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to the main salad bowl containing the lettuce, chicken, and mandarin oranges. These ingredients have a sturdier texture and won’t get soggy from the dressing in the same way the delicate wonton strips will. They contribute their own valuable crunch and flavor to the base.
Dress the Salad Base (Just Before Serving!): Timing is important here. You want to dress the salad base just before you plan to serve it. Pour the desired amount of the prepared dressing over the mixture in the large bowl. Use tongs or large salad servers to gently toss everything together, ensuring the lettuce, chicken, oranges, almonds, and sesame seeds are evenly coated with that delicious dressing. Avoid over-tossing, which can bruise the lettuce.
Divide and Plate: Once the salad base is dressed and beautifully coated, divide it among your serving plates or bowls. Make sure each portion gets a good mix of all the ingredients.
The Final Step for Ultimate Crispiness: This is where the magic happens for the wonton strips! Immediately before you hand a plate to someone, or just as everyone is about to dig in, generously sprinkle the crispy wonton strips directly over the top of the dressed salad on each individual plate. Placing them on top after dressing and dividing prevents them from sitting in the dressing and becoming soggy. Every single bite taken from that point forward will include a delightful crunch!

Following these steps, especially the critical timing for adding the wonton strips, guarantees a vibrant, flavorful, and wonderfully crunchy Asian Chicken Salad experience every time. It’s truly a simple technique that elevates the entire dish!

Tips for Perfect Asian Chicken Salad Every Time

Want to make your Asian Chicken Salad even better? Here are a few pro tips and variations to consider:

Prep Ahead: You can wash and chop the lettuce, cook and slice/shred the chicken, drain the oranges, and make the dressing a day in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the almonds, sesame seeds, and especially the wonton strips stored at room temperature in their packaging or separate containers. Assemble and dress just before serving.
Dry Your Greens! Seriously, wet lettuce is the enemy of a good salad. Use a salad spinner or pat the greens dry with paper towels after washing.
Toasted Nuts & Seeds: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the slivered almonds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly!
Add More Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the salad with other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, red cabbage, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a drizzle of sriracha over the finished salad.
Sweeter Dressing: Taste the dressing after whisking. If you prefer it sweeter, add another teaspoon or two of sugar or honey. If you like it tangier, add a little more rice vinegar.
Make it a Meal Prep Hero: Portion out the salad base (lettuce, chicken, oranges, almonds, sesame seeds) into individual containers. Store the dressing in small separate containers. Keep the wonton strips in a small baggie or container outside of the main salad container. When ready to eat, add dressing to the salad, toss, and top with the wonton strips. This is perfect for a healthy and delicious lunch!

What to Serve With Asian Chicken Salad

This Asian Chicken Salad is substantial enough to be a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Consider serving it alongside:

Spring rolls or egg rolls
A simple rice dish (like plain steamed rice or our glazed chicken and cilantro rice)
Grilled skewers (chicken or beef)
A light, clear soup
Some crispy garlic bread

It’s versatile enough to fit into many meal plans!

Your Asian Chicken Salad Questions Answered (FAQ)

Making this salad should be easy, but a few questions often come up. Let’s tackle them!

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred or dice about 2-3 cups of meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor.

What if I don’t have wonton strips?

While wonton strips are traditional, you can substitute with other crunchy elements. Try crispy chow mein noodles, toasted slivered almonds (in addition to the ones in the base), crispy rice noodles, or even crushed toasted ramen noodles (uncooked). Just remember to add any crunchy topping just before serving for maximum crispness, regardless of what it is!

How do I store leftovers?

The best way to store leftover Asian Chicken Salad is to keep the components separate if possible. If you’ve already dressed the main salad base (lettuce, chicken, oranges, nuts, seeds), it will still keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a day, though the lettuce might soften slightly. The dressed wonton strips should be discarded or eaten right away as they will get soggy quickly. For maximum freshness, store the undressed salad base, dressing, and wonton strips in separate containers and combine just before eating.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made several days in advance. Store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients can separate.

Is this salad gluten-free?

As written, no, because soy sauce typically contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, use Tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Also, ensure your wonton strips are gluten-free (most are not, so you’d need to find a gluten-free alternative crunch or omit them).

Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Peel and segment fresh mandarins. Just be sure to remove as much of the white pith and any seeds as possible. Fresh mandarins are lovely, but canned ones are convenient and typically very juicy and sweet.

Enjoy Your Homemade Asian Chicken Salad!

There you have it! A simple, flavorful, and wonderfully crunchy Asian Chicken Salad that solves the age-old soggy topping problem. This recipe is easy enough for a quick weeknight meal but impressive enough to share with friends and family. The combination of fresh, sweet, savory, and crunchy elements is simply irresistible.

Give this Asian Chicken Salad a try soon, and don’t forget that critical last-minute wonton sprinkle! It truly makes all the difference.

Did you make this recipe? How did you like the crispy wonton trick? Let me know in the comments below! I love hearing from you.