Wolfgang Puck Crunchy Chicken Salad Recipe

Crispy chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold, zesty dressing—this is no ordinary salad!

The real key to keeping the chicken light yet crunchy is using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs. It fries up crisp without getting too heavy.

I like to chill the greens before tossing everything together because the contrast between cool lettuce and warm chicken is unbeatable.

Thinly sliced green onions and a splash of rice vinegar in the dressing brighten everything up without overpowering the other ingredients.

A sprinkle of crushed peanuts right before serving takes it to another level, adding extra crunch and a slightly nutty bite.

If there’s one salad I never get tired of, it’s this one!

How to Make Wolfgang Puck Crunchy Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups Mixed Greens
• 1 cup Napa Cabbage, shredded
• ½ cup Red Bell Pepper, sliced
• ½ cup Carrots, julienned
• ¼ cup Wontons, fried
• ¼ cup Cashews, roasted
• 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp Chili Oil
• 1 Egg Yolk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook your chicken breasts until fully done, then shred them into bite-sized pieces.

This forms the base of your salad.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, toss in the mixed greens, Napa cabbage, red bell pepper, and julienned carrots.

These add crunch and color to your dish.

Step 3:

Combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey, mustard, chili oil, and egg yolk in a blender.

Blend until smooth for your signature dressing.

Step 4:

Drizzle the dressing over the mixed greens and toss well to coat all your veggies and chicken evenly.

This locks in the flavor.

Step 5:

Top your salad with fried wontons and roasted cashews for added texture and savory flavor.

Enjoy your creation fresh!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Chicken:

Use a mix of dark and light meat for more flavor and moisture in your salad.

Dressing Variety:

Feel free to adjust the level of chili oil for your dressing if you prefer a spicier kick.

Serving Freshness:

The salad is best served immediately after tossing with the dressing to maintain that crisp texture.

Wonton Add-Ins:

Make bigger batches of wontons; they are also great as a snack on their own!

Cashew Substitute:

Almonds or peanuts work wonderfully if you’re out of cashews.

What to Serve with Wolfgang Puck Crunchy Chicken Salad

Steamed Jasmine Rice

You can’t go wrong with steamed jasmine rice as a side dish, especially when serving this salad.

The fragrant rice complements the tangy flavors of the dressing nicely.

In just a few simple steps, you can prepare this aromatic rice to serve alongside the salad.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Vegetable spring rolls are another classic addition to this meal, which I really love!

Filled with fresh vegetables and wrapped in a crispy shell, these rolls are easy to prepare.

For added flavor, serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Roasted Edamame Beans

For something unexpected, try roasted edamame beans as they add a unique twist to your meal.

Toss the beans with a bit of olive oil, sea salt, and your favorite spices before roasting for a fun and healthy snacking option.

These beans offer a pop of flavor and texture that resonates beautifully with the salad.

Pickled Ginger Carrot Salad

A side of pickled ginger carrot salad can introduce vibrant flavors and colors to your plate.

This quick side dish is refreshing and complements the rich flavors of the chicken salad effortlessly.

Simply combine shredded carrots, finely sliced ginger, and a dash of rice vinegar for an invigorating salad.

Honey Soy Baked Sweet Potatoes

If you’re feeling adventurous, honey soy baked sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory contrast.

Roast slices of sweet potatoes with honey, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a hearty side dish.

This combination of flavors can add a unique dimension to your meal.

Enjoy the creative journey of pairing these dishes with your Wolfgang Puck Crunchy Chicken Salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Dressing Alternatives

You might want to switch up the dressing for a twist on flavors!

Try using yogurt instead of oil for a creamier texture.

Or consider using lime juice instead of vinegar for a citrusy kick!

Vegetarian Version

If you’re avoiding meat, you can easily make this salad vegetarian.

Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for chicken.

Cook it just like you would the chicken for a fantastic alternative.

Nut Options

For a different crunch, you can swap out the usual nuts!

Try adding toasted almonds or walnuts.

You can even add candied pecans for a sweet variation.

Additional Veggies

Feel free to add more vegetables for an enriched salad.

Fresh bell peppers or carrot matchsticks will add color and texture.

I also love adding some edamame for a protein boost.

Spice Twists

If you like extra heat, change up your spices a bit!

Add some crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

A dash of sriracha can bring some warmth and tang to your dish.

How to Store Leftover Crunchy Chicken Salad

Fridge Storage

To keep your crunchy chicken salad fresh, store it in the fridge using an airtight container.

Place it on the top shelves of your fridge to avoid any risk of contamination from other foods.

Make sure your fridge temperature is set to 40°F (4°C) or lower.

Separate Components

If you have extra dressing or toppings, store them separately to maintain their texture and flavor.

This helps keep the salad crisp, preventing it from wilting or becoming soggy.

Avoid mixing the dressing until you are ready to enjoy the leftovers.

Suitable Containers

Using glass containers can help preserve the taste more effectively than plastic.

Choose containers that are suitably sized for the amount of salad you’re storing to minimize air exposure.

If using plastic, BPA-free options are preferred to ensure food safety without unwanted chemicals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the Salad

One common pitfall when making Wolfgang Puck’s crunchy chicken salad is overdressing it.

It’s easy to get too enthusiastic with the dressing and end up with soggy greens.

Taste as you go and add the dressing gradually to maintain that perfect crispy texture.

Ignoring Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is key to a truly satisfying salad.

Don’t compromise on quality by opting for stale or wilted vegetables.

The fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant and delicious your salad will be.

Forgetting Crunchy Toppings

Remember to include those essential crunchy toppings like wonton strips or toasted sesame seeds.

These elements add fun texture and variety to the salad.

Skipping them can make the dish feel incomplete.