If you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy chicken strips with crisp Romaine lettuce, colorful coleslaw, and a luscious, tangy dressing, these wraps deliver a flavorful punch in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish is a terrific balance of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly to brighten up your meal routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward yet essential ingredients come together to create a salad wrap that’s bursting with texture and deliciousness. Each component adds its own flair—whether it’s creaminess, crispness, or that irresistible crunch—making the overall experience satisfying and refreshing.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy base for the dressing that ties everything together smoothly.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the tangy and savory elements.
- Rice vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings a bright, acidic note essential for that signature Asian-inspired tang.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Enhances the dressing with a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Introduces a nutty aroma that perfectly complements the Asian flavor profile.
- Large crispy chicken strips (4): The star protein, air-fried to perfection and chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy wrapping.
- Romaine lettuce hearts (2): Adds a cool, crisp freshness that balances out the creaminess and crunch.
- Tri-colored coleslaw (1 1/2 cups): Offers vibrant colors and an extra layer of crunch with cabbage and carrots.
- Chow mein noodles (1/4 cup): Brings that iconic, crispy crunch, elevating the texture experience.
- Sliced almonds (2 tablespoons): Adds a pleasant nuttiness and subtle crunch that surprises the palate.
- Large flour tortillas (4, warmed slightly): The perfect soft, warm wraps to hold all the delicious fillings together.
How to Make Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chop the Chicken
Begin by air frying the large crispy chicken strips according to the package directions. This method ensures they remain juicy inside with a crispy exterior that’s perfect in these wraps. Once cooked, chop the chicken into small, manageable pieces that will be easy to fold inside the tortillas and evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
While the chicken cooks, mix together the dressing ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sesame oil until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This dressing is the heart of your Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe, providing a lovely balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that bring the whole wrap to life.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce
Trim the ends off the Romaine lettuce hearts, slice them lengthwise into thirds, and then cut into thin ribbons. The fresh, crisp lettuce lends a refreshing crunch and vibrant green color that wakes up every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped chicken, shredded Romaine lettuce, tri-colored coleslaw, crunchy chow mein noodles, and sliced almonds. Pour your freshly made dressing over the mixture and gently mix until everything is coated evenly, ensuring each mouthful bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Divide the dressed salad mixture evenly among the warmed flour tortillas. Roll them up tightly to enclose all that tasty goodness. For an extra touch, lightly toast the wraps in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside – this step is pure magic for texture contrast.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Finally, slice each wrap in half diagonally for easy handling and to showcase the colorful filling inside. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor of your wraps. Consider sprinkling some extra sliced almonds or chopped scallions on top for a fresh crunch. A few sesame seeds also provide a lovely nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the dressing.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with light, complementary sides to keep the meal balanced. A simple cucumber salad, a bowl of miso soup, or some steamed edamame makes an excellent accompaniment. These lighter sides keep the meal refreshing and prevent it from feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the filling as a colorful salad with crispy wonton chips on the side for scooping. You can also cut the wraps into pinwheels for party platters or lunches on the go. Presenting the wraps on a bed of lettuce leaves adds an extra pop of freshness and color, making the dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Asian Chicken Salad Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the wraps whole or store the salad filling and tortillas separately to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp textures.
Freezing
Since the wraps contain fresh lettuce and crunchy noodles, freezing is not recommended as these ingredients will lose their texture. It’s best to prepare fresh for optimal flavor and crunch.
Reheating
If you’ve stored the components separately, gently warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling. The chicken can also be reheated briefly in the microwave or a skillet. Avoid reheating the salad mixture to preserve its fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken strips?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a different but delicious flavor profile and works well in this recipe. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces for easy wrapping.
What type of tortillas work best for these wraps?
Large flour tortillas are ideal because they are soft and pliable, making them easy to roll around the filling. Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas also work if preferred.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a quick whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
Are there any good vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with crispy tofu strips or chickpeas for protein. The dressing and crunch elements stay the same and are perfect complements.
What can I substitute for chow mein noodles?
If you don’t have chow mein noodles, crushed crispy wonton strips or fried rice noodles are great alternatives that maintain that satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe, it will become a fast favorite for a reason. With its incredible blend of textures, flavors, and that irresistible creamy-sweet dressing, these wraps are a fantastic way to elevate your everyday meals. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Asian Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A vibrant and crunchy Asian Chicken Salad Wrap featuring air-fried chicken strips, crisp romaine lettuce, colorful coleslaw, and a tangy homemade dressing, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and optionally toasted to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Wraps:
- 4 large crispy chicken strips
- 2 Romaine lettuce hearts
- 1 1/2 cups tri-colored coleslaw
- 1/4 cup chow mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 4 large flour tortillas, warmed slightly
Instructions
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken strips in the air fryer according to the package instructions until crispy and fully cooked. Once done, chop them into small bite-sized pieces for easy wrapping and eating.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a flavorful dressing that ties the salad together.
- Prepare Lettuce: Trim the ends off the Romaine lettuce hearts, slice them lengthwise into thirds, then cut across into ribbons, ensuring manageable lettuce pieces for the wrap filling.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped chicken, lettuce ribbons, tri-colored coleslaw, crunchy chow mein noodles, and sliced almonds. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Assemble the Wraps: Divide the salad mixture evenly among the warmed flour tortillas. Roll each tortilla up tightly to encase the filling. For extra flavor and texture, optionally toast the rolled wraps in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve: Slice the wraps in half diagonally for easier handling and an appealing presentation. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas briefly before filling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves.
- The optional toasting step adds a delightful crispy texture but can be skipped for a softer wrap.
- Use freshly chopped almonds and chow mein noodles for maximum crunch and flavor.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
