Ah, let me share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes that has a special place in my heart—**Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps**! These delightful wraps are a go-to dish for me whenever I’m hosting friends or just craving something refreshing and light. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer cookout at a friend’s house. The mix of vibrant colors and crunchiness instantly caught my eye, and I was hooked after just one bite! Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I bet it’ll become one in yours too.
What I love most about these wraps is how versatile they are. You can easily customize them according to your taste and what’s available in your pantry. Plus, they are ridiculously easy to make, which is a huge win in my book! So, let’s jump into the details of this scrumptious dish that will make you the star of any potluck.
What’s in Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps?
– Cooked Chicken: I often use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but you can always poach or grill your own if you’re feeling ambitious! The chicken provides a hearty protein base to the wraps.
– Red and Green Cabbage: These two types of cabbage give the salad a lovely crunch and vibrant color. Red cabbage brings its signature deep hue and slight sweetness, while green cabbage offers a fresh, crisp texture.
– Red and Green Bell Peppers: Add a burst of color and flavor! They’re slightly sweet and crunchy, balancing beautifully with the other ingredients.
– Grated Carrot: A natural sweetener that brightens the salad and provides an extra layer of texture.
– Red Onion: Just a touch brings a zesty kick! I like to chop it finely to mellow out the sharpness.
– Cilantro: This fresh herb adds a delightful herby flavor that echoes the essence of Asian cuisine.
– Chopped Almonds (or Peanuts): For that satisfying crunch! I often prefer almonds, but don’t hesitate to sub in peanuts for that classic Asian flavor.
– Whole Wheat Tortillas or Wraps: These serve as vessels that hold all this goodness together. I find whole wheat options provide a nice nutty flavor.
– Sesame Dressing: Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the magic ingredient that ties everything together! A homemade one may impress your guests even more!
– Soy Sauce: A splash adds depth and umami to the dressing.
– Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
– Sliced Green Onions: For a fresh garnish—because who doesn’t love a pop of color on their plate!?
Is Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps Good for You?
Absolutely—these wraps can be a wonderful addition to a balanced diet!
– Cooked Chicken: A great source of lean protein that keeps you full and supports muscle health. Using rotisserie chicken can also save time when you need a quick meal.
– Cabbages and Bell Peppers: Both are bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting digestion and your immune system! Plus, that crunch? Totally satisfying.
– Carrots: High in beta-carotene, good for your eyes, and fantastic for snacking too!
The only thing to keep in mind is the dressing—store-bought varieties can sometimes have added sugars or preservatives. I always try to read labels and opt for lower-sodium options when possible. But making your own sesame dressing from scratch is super easy if you want to go that route!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
– 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup carrot, grated
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1/2 cup almonds, chopped (or peanuts)
– 4 large whole wheat tortillas or wraps
– 1/4 cup sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions for garnish
This recipe serves about 4 wraps, making it perfect for a small gathering or a satisfying meal for one.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps?
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, red cabbage, green cabbage, diced red and green bell peppers, grated carrot, red onion, cilantro, and chopped almonds. Mix well to combine.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame dressing and soy sauce. Pour this dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay out the whole wheat tortillas on a flat surface.
4. Divide the chicken salad mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each wrap.
5. Fold the sides of each tortilla inwards, then roll them up tightly from the bottom to form a wrap.
6. Cut each wrap in half diagonally and place them on a serving platter.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately with extra sesame dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Wrap it Up—Tips & Tricks!
If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture! For a bit of sweetness, some diced mango or even canned pineapple can elevate the flavor profile. And if you find yourself with extra filling, it makes for a delicious salad on its own—just ditch the tortillas.
You can prepare the filling in advance, making this a time-saver when hosting. Honestly, though, these wraps are so good that they never last long around here!
I really hope you give these **Chinese Chicken Salad Wraps** a try soon. They’re refreshing, crunchy, and entirely satisfying, making them perfect for any occasion. If you do whip up a batch, please let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!
