If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and satisfyingly crunchy meal, this Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Combining tender, flavorful chicken strips with crisp romaine, colorful tri-colored coleslaw, and a sweet-savory dressing, these wraps are a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The addition of crunchy chow mein noodles and sliced almonds brings that irresistible Asian-inspired flair that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re packing lunch or serving a light dinner, these wraps deliver big on flavor without taking all day to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making this Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe shine. Each component plays a unique role, from the creamy dressing that ties everything together, to the crunchy elements that add texture and contrast.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the dressing, adding smooth richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tang from the vinegar and mustard perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the dressing a bright, acidic punch typical of Asian cuisine.
- Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and depth to the dressing, enhancing its complexity.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to infuse that nutty, authentic Asian aroma into the dish.
- Crispy chicken strips: The star protein offering tender, juicy bites with a satisfying crunch on the outside.
- Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing green base that’s perfect for wrapping.
- Tri-colored coleslaw: Packs in extra crunch and pops of color, making every mouthful lively and fun.
- Chow mein noodles: These crispy noodles add a unique texture twist that lifts the salad beyond ordinary wraps.
- Sliced almonds: A nutty crunch that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and warm, these tortillas gently cradle all the fresh ingredients, making them easy to eat on the go.
How to Make Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chop the Chicken
Start by air frying your chicken strips according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Once cooked, chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces — this makes them easier to mix evenly into the salad and helps every wrap get a taste of that delicious chicken.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing that perfectly balances sweetness with tang and a hint of nutty depth.
Step 3: Prepare the Romaine Lettuce
Trim the ends off the Romaine lettuce hearts, then slice them lengthwise into three sections and finally cut these into thin ribbons. This technique creates delicate lettuce pieces that are easy to wrap and ensure a crisp bite with every mouthful.
Step 4: Toss the Salad Mix
In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, shredded Romaine, tri-colored coleslaw, crunchy chow mein noodles, and sliced almonds. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. This step ensures every forkful is bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Toast the Wraps
Divide the salad mixture evenly among the warmed flour tortillas. Roll each wrap tightly to hold the filling inside. For extra flavor and a bit of crunch, toast the wraps in a skillet on medium heat until the outside turns golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Cut each wrap in half at a slight angle to reveal the vibrant filling inside and serve immediately while the contrast of warm, toasty tortilla and crisp veggies is at its best.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top or add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch that enhances texture and visual appeal. Fresh cilantro or green onions chopped finely can also add a bright, herbal note that’s delicious with the dressing.
Side Dishes
These wraps shine alongside light and refreshing sides. Consider serving with steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt, a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, or even a simple bowl of miso soup to complement the Asian flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels secured with a toothpick. This makes them perfect finger food and allows guests to enjoy the Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe in a fun and elegant way. Alternatively, serve the filling deconstructed in bowls with the tortilla on the side for a casual lettuce-taco-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the salad separate prevents sogginess and keeps everything tasting fresh and bright when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
This Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh veggies and dressing won’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a day or two at most.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken if desired in a microwave or skillet, then toss it back with fresh lettuce and coleslaw to maintain the best texture. Toast the tortilla separately before assembling for the best flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken instead of store-bought strips?
Absolutely! Grilled or baked chicken breasts sliced into strips work wonderfully. Just season them well and cook until tender for a delicious homemade touch.
Is there a gluten-free version of this wrap?
Yes, swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps or use large lettuce leaves as a wrap alternative. Just ensure the chow mein noodles are gluten-free or omitted to keep it safe.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely, the dressing can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or whisk before tossing with salad ingredients for fresh flavor.
What can I substitute for the almonds if I have a nut allergy?
Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts. Both add great texture and a hint of nuttiness without the risk.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh strips marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. This keeps the protein element while maintaining the Asian flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe a try because it’s one of those simply perfect dishes that delivers fresh flavors, satisfying crunch, and effortless assembly. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering, these wraps bring joy to the table and are so fun to customize. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!
