Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this stunning Asian Chicken Salad! Packed with protein-rich chicken, crunchy Napa cabbage, sweet mandarin oranges, creamy avocado, and crispy wontons, it’s all dressed up in a zesty chili crisp vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep and fresh lunch options, this salad has everything you need for a nourishing and exciting bite!
Budget Information
The total cost for this Asian Chicken Salad recipe is about $15.10, making it approximately $3.77 per serving. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs for each ingredient:
- Wonton wrappers: $2.00
- Sesame oil: $1.50
- Rice vinegar: $2.00
- Liquid sweetener (honey, monk fruit, etc.): $0.75
- Kosher salt: $0.10
- Napa cabbage: $3.00
- Chicken breast: $5.00
- Cucumber: $0.75
- Scallions: $0.50
- Mandarins: $2.00
- Avocado: $1.50
- Slivered almonds: $1.00
Why This Recipe Works
This Asian Chicken Salad is a winner for several reasons! First off, it’s a great way to sneak in a hefty dose of nutrients, thanks to the fresh vegetables and protein-packed chicken. The crunchy textures of the cabbage and wontons combined with the sweet, juicy bites of mandarin keeps each mouthful interesting and delightful. Plus, the chili crisp vinaigrette adds a kick that’s nothing short of addictive. Not to mention, it’s super adaptable—you can swap in whatever veggies you have handy! Meal prep just got a whole lot easier.
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fabulous salad:
- 4 small wonton wrappers ($2.00) –*omit for gluten-free*
- 1.5 tablespoons sesame oil ($1.50)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar ($2.00)
- 1 teaspoon liquid sweetener (honey, monk fruit, etc.) ($0.75)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt ($0.10)
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, chopped ($3.00)
- 3.5 cups chicken breast (pulled rotisserie or grilled, about $5.00)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber ($0.75)
- ¼ cup chopped scallion (about 2-3 scallions) ($0.50)
- 3 small mandarins or clementines, separated into slices ($2.00)
- 5 ounces avocado, sliced ($1.50)
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted ($1.00)
Feel free to switch out mandarin oranges for any citrus you have on hand, or use just about any nut for the almonds!
Step-by-step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (or 160°C) to get started on those crispy wonton chips! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the wonton wrappers in a single layer and spray them generously with cooking spray. Pop them in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them—they can go from lovely to burnt in a flash! Let them cool and then crumble them into pieces.
Step 2: While those crunchy morsels are baking, it’s time to make your spicy chili crisp vinaigrette! In a small heat-safe bowl, combine the crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and dried minced garlic. Now, grab a small skillet and heat the sesame oil over medium heat until it’s warm and fragrant, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see little bubbles forming. Carefully pour this hot oil into the bowl over your chili mix and let it sizzle! After the bubbling stops, stir in the rice vinegar, your chosen sweetener, and the kosher salt. Allow the dressing to cool while you layer the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Now, let’s assemble the salad! In a large bowl (or if you want to be fancy, in individual bowls), toss in the chopped Napa cabbage first; it’s like a cozy bed for all our star ingredients. Layer on your cooked chicken, followed by the cucumber, scallions, and those delightful mandarin slices. Finally, don’t skimp on the avocado and toasted almonds—these add a creamy richness and nutty crunch! Top everything off with the crumbled wontons and drizzle your homemade chili crisp dressing generously over the top, giving it a good toss to mix and match.
Step 4: Serve immediately and watch everyone marvel at the colorful, vibrant presentation! Or, if you’re meal prepping, just keep the dressing and wontons separate until you’re ready to dig in!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the breakdown per serving (approx. ¾ cup):
- Calories: 371
- Protein: 26.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26.5g
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 433.5mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8.5g
Storage and Reheating Tips
This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep everything fresh, store the dressing separately, along with the wonton chips. Combine the chopped vegetables, chicken, and mandarin oranges in an airtight container. For the avocado, slice it fresh just before serving to ensure it remains vibrant and green!
Serving Suggestions
This Asian Chicken Salad is lovely on its own, but feel free to pair it with a side of steamed rice or a light miso soup for a full meal experience. For a bit of crunch, serve with extra wonton chips on the side! You could even put a twist on things and serve it as a wrap in lettuce leaves. Talk about fun lunch options!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
If you’re a fan of vibrant salads, remember that this recipe is very flexible. You can easily swap different proteins such as shrimp or tofu, switch up the greens with arugula or spinach, or add more veggies like bell peppers and shredded carrots to make it your own. And don’t forget—always taste your dressing before serving! You can adjust to your preference, adding more sweetness, heat, or even a splash of extra vinegar for a zing. Enjoy experimenting!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add in more veggies or some tofu to keep it hearty.
How can I keep avocados from browning? A great way to prevent browning is to add a little lime or lemon juice directly onto the cut surface of the avocado!
Can I prepare this salad a day ahead? Yes! Just keep all the components separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness, especially the dressing and croutons.
What if I can’t find Napa cabbage? You can use any crunchy lettuce, such as romaine or green leaf, but keep in mind that Napa cabbage holds up better over time.
How can I make this salad gluten-free? Simply omit the wonton wrappers or replace them with gluten-free tortilla chips or skip the chips altogether!
