Kinda Like California Pizza Kitchen Chinese Chicken Salad

My first job out of culinary school was at a bustling bistro in Los Angeles. I was a wide-eyed line cook, eager to learn everything. Lunch service was always a frenzy, and one of the most popular items, believe it or not, was a Chinese Chicken Salad. It was inspired by the famous CPK version, and I remember being mesmerized by the way the sweet, tangy dressing clung to the crisp lettuce and savory chicken. The combination of textures and flavors—the crunch of the peanuts, the freshness of the cilantro, the savory chicken—created an unforgettable experience. I’ve tinkered with recipes ever since, chasing that perfect balance, and this one comes awfully close.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken is already cooked)
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: About 6 cups
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be gluten-free, dairy-free)

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 4 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon asian chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger)
• 4 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil

For the Salad:

• 2-3 large cooked chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, chopped into chunks
• Sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 head napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and shredded or julienned
• 3/4 cup peanuts, chopped (sliced or slivered almonds can be substituted)
• 1 bunch scallions (about 8), white and light green parts chopped crosswise

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Large salad bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, asian chili paste, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Set aside. If the peanut butter is particularly thick, you can microwave the dressing for 10-15 seconds to loosen it up, then whisk again.
3. Prepare the salad base: In a really large salad bowl, combine the chopped napa cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, chopped cilantro, and chopped scallions.
4. Toss gently to combine the salad ingredients. This ensures even distribution of the greens and herbs.
5. Add the toppings: Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts.
6. Add the protein: Incorporate the chopped cooked chicken breasts into the salad mixture.
7. Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
8. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle to avoid bruising the lettuce.
9. Serve immediately. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the lettuce can wilt if left to sit with the dressing for too long.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toast the sesame seeds: Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor. Spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
• Chicken preparation: For convenience, use rotisserie chicken. Shred or chop it once it’s cooled slightly. Alternatively, poach or grill your own chicken breasts. If grilling, be sure not to overcook them, or they will dry out. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C).
• Make-ahead dressing: The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of asian chili paste to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• Add crunch: For extra crunch, add a handful of fried wonton strips just before serving. You can find these at most Asian grocery stores.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad immediately after dressing it to prevent the lettuce from wilting. This salad is best served chilled.

If you have leftovers, store them undressed in separate airtight containers. The dressed salad will become soggy if stored. Store the chicken separately, too, if you wish. The undressed salad greens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken (if necessary) and assemble the salad just before serving. The salad is not suitable for freezing.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	500mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	15g
Protein	25g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Ensure the hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Many brands contain wheat flour. Tamari can be used as a substitute for the soy sauce component of hoisin sauce.
• Vegan: Substitute the chicken with baked or fried tofu.
• Lower fat: Use light peanut butter and reduce the amount of sesame oil in the dressing.
• Different nuts: Replace the peanuts with cashews, macadamia nuts, or walnuts.
• Add fruit: Include mandarin oranges or sliced apples for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, cucumbers, and edamame are all great additions to this salad.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A: Yes, you can substitute the romaine lettuce with other crisp lettuce varieties like iceberg or butter lettuce. Just be mindful that some lettuces are more prone to wilting than others.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare the components separately (dressing, chopped vegetables, chicken) and combine them just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. The dressing can be made several days in advance.

Q: What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A: Hoisin sauce is a key ingredient, but if you don’t have it, you can try a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar. It won’t be quite the same, but it will provide a similar flavor profile.

Q: How do I toast sesame seeds?
A: Spread the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!

Q: Can I add wonton strips to this salad?
A: Yes! Crispy wonton strips add a wonderful crunch to the salad. Add them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, and it’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the dressing to your liking. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. Try pairing it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea for the perfect meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback! Bon appétit!