This Napa Chicken Salad is all about that crunch factor! With fresh napa cabbage, juicy rotisserie chicken, a homemade sesame dressing, and your choice of crunchy toppings like cashews, fried wonton strips, sesame sticks, or crispy fried onions, it’s a flavor-packed meal you’ll love.
Let’s Get Crunchy!
Once you’ve cleaned and prepped your ingredients, it’s time to get your texture game on! Yes, there’s a small step for frying up those homemade wonton strips, but trust me—it’s totally worth it. Plus, thanks to the rotisserie chicken and minimal chopping, this salad comes together in no time!
- Chop:
Shred your napa cabbage and chop the green onions. Keep this cabbage mixture in an airtight container for up to a few days—perfect for meal prep! Shred your rotisserie chicken next. - Shake:
Toss all the dressing ingredients into a jar, close it tight, and shake away! Dance to your favorite tune while you do it—it’s the most fun way to get that dressing mixed. - Serve:
Toss your cabbage mixture with the chicken, cashews, wonton strips (or whichever crunchy topper you choose), and a generous splash of dressing. Sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds on top for a final touch!
How to Make Fried Wonton Strips:
Making your own wonton strips is incredibly simple! Just slice wonton wrappers into strips and fry them in a bit of oil over low heat. Once crispy, drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. So quick, so delicious, and so worth it!
Warning: You might end up snacking on the wonton strips before the salad is even ready—so make sure to make a little extra!
Crunchy Add-Ins & Fun Toppings:
Feel free to mix it up with other fun additions! Try crumbled-up dry ramen noodles (yes, from the packet!), sesame sticks, crispy chow mein noodles, or those irresistible crispy fried onions. Want to add more veggies? Edamame or avocado would fit perfectly. Or change things up with shrimp for a different protein!
How to Store:
This salad is great for meal prep! You can store the cabbage, chicken, and toppings in separate containers, and they’ll last for several days in the fridge. Toss it together whenever you’re ready to eat for a super satisfying meal
Ingredients
Napa Chicken Salad:
- 1 head napa cabbage, cleaned, trimmed, and shredded (about 10 cups)
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup of something crunchy—fried wonton strips, crispy fried onions, or crushed-up dry ramen noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Sesame Dressing:
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil (your choice)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base:
Toss the shredded cabbage and chopped green onions together. Store this in the fridge in an airtight container if you want to prep ahead. - Make the Dressing:
Add all dressing ingredients to a jar, seal it, and shake it up until well combined. - Assemble the Salad:
When you’re ready to serve, toss the cabbage mixture with shredded chicken, cashews, wonton strips (or your chosen crunch), and enough dressing to coat generously. Top with extra green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Chop & Shake
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired