Absolutely Tangy Island Flavour: Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii is one of my favourite island-style dressings, and I’m excited to share it with you. This Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii is simple, tasty, and perfect for chicken salads. In this post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making the Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

For the Salad

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast(cooked with liquid and shredded, rotisserie or poached)
• One and a half cups of iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce shreds.
• 2 Cups Napa cabbage (shredded)
• Char siu ( Chinese BBQ pork), thin slices ( Optional, Island style)
• 1 medium carrot (peeled and julienne)
• 1/2 Cucumber  or julienned
• 3 Green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro 
• 3/4 cup roasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup chow mein noodles or crispy wonton sticks
• 1/2 cup rice noodles (crunchier after deep-frying (optional but done))
• One sheet of nori (seaweed) cut into thin pieces (sprinkle on top)
• li hing mui dressing (optionally, local zest)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (Aloha Shoyu best)
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 2 tbl tsez oder miit
• 1 tablespoon lemon ( or calamansi, if that is available )
• A single clove
• A sprig of grated ginger
• 1/4 cup grapeseed, vegetable, or canola oil
• Optional: I tsp of oyster sauce to give a flavour of the smoke

A Step-By-Step Guide To Preparing The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

• Cook chicken breasts in lightly salted water by bringing them to a boil or poaching until cooked well (15 20 minutes).
• Allow cooling, after which it is thinly shredded or sliced.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

• In a tiny bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and vegetable oil.
• To adjust the test, use some sugar for sweetness and some vinegar for tang.

Step 3: Prep the Salad Ingredients

• Chop lettuce, napa cabbage, shimeji carrot and cucumber.
• Chop Green onions, char siu (if you use), and cilantro carefully.

Step 4: Fry Rice Noodles (Optional)

• Put oil in a small pan and heat it.
• Add dry rice noodles (just a small handful), and they will puff up right away.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

• In a big bowl, you want to combine the shredded lettuce and cabbage, Chicken, carrots, cucumber, green onion, cilantro, Crispy rice noodles or wonton strips, and Sesame seeds. ( Optional: sliced breaded nori, pickled ginger and char siu ).

Step 6: Dress the Salad

• Just before serving the salad, pour the dressing over it carefully
• Shake lightly to coat.

Step 7: Top and Serve

• Place more crispy noodles on top, seeds of sesame, and other garnishes of your choice in an island style.
• Eat as soon as possible when the toppings are crunchy.

How To Store

Place the dressing in a thoroughly clean jar.

Put it in the fridge and seal the lid.

The recipe offered can be preserved in a refrigerator for a week.

Serving And Enjoying The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

Shake the jar before each use.

Drizzle the Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii over shredded chicken, lettuce, and crispy noodles.

Enjoy every fresh and flavorful bite!

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for the Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

1. Use Aloha Shoyu for Authentic Flavour

• Aloha Shoyu is lighter and slightly sweeter than the standard soy sauce, which makes the dressing taste persistently local, mellow, and umami style.

2. Sweet, Tangy, Savoury

• Traditional Hawaiian dressing is a bit on the sweet side, with the acidity of rice vinegar and citrus. Sweeten with honey or brown-sugar.

3. Ginger and Garlic

• Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic have a bright bite that pre-minced just cannot have.

4. With a Dash of Sesame Oil–Better Not Too Much

• Sesame oil is strong. Use only one tablespoon per batch, and it will not overpower the dressing.

5. Whisk the Oil in Gradually to an Emulsion

• Gradually add the vegetable oil (or blitz in a jar) to emulsify the dressing and give it a rich, silky texture that will coat the salad very well.

6. Cool One Before You Do

• Before using the dressing, allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 15 or 30 minutes.

7. Flavour Boosts 

• Add oyster sauce (1 tsp) to enhance the umami flavour.
• A dash of fish sauce or hoisin, chilli-garlic sauce or Sriracha and orange can add an even more complex, fusion-style flavour.

8. Shake Before Serving

• When kept in the fridge, the oil is likely to separate. It is always advisable to shake the dressing or stir it before pouring it over your salad.

🍽️Here’s The Nutrition estimate for the Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

• Nutrient Amount
• Calories: 450–500 kcal
• Protein: 28–32 g
• Total Fat: 25–30 g
• Cholesterol: 65–75 mg
• Carbohydrates: 28–32 g
• Sodium: 850–950 mg
• Vitamin A: 70–80% DV
• Vitamin C: 50–60% DV
• Calcium: 8–10% DV
• Iron: 10–15% DV

❓FAQ – Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

🏝️ Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii is a refreshing, flavorful fusion of Asian and island-inspired ingredients that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner. With its mix of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savoury sesame dressing, this Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii captures the unique spirit of local Hawaiian cuisine. Whether you enjoy this Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii with crispy noodles or add a touch of char siu, it’s a vibrant dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Let’s enjoy the delicious Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii.