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, delightful, 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 as a delicious Chicken Recipe.

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)

To make 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

Cook and Shred the Chicken

• Cook chicken breasts in lightly salted water by bringing them to a boil or poaching until cooked well (about 15-20 minutes).
• Allow to cool, then thinly shred or slice.

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.

Prep the Salad Ingredients

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

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.

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 ).

Dress the Salad

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

Top and Serve

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

How To Store The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

• Place the dressing in a thoroughly clean jar.
• Put it in the fridge and seal the lid.
• The recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for a week.

Serving And Enjoying The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

• Shake the container before using it
• Drizzle the recipe and mix the Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii across shredded chicken, lettuce, and crispy noodles.
• Savour every bite of it that is fresh and flavorful!

Chef’s Tips For The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii

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.

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.

Ginger and Garlic

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

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.

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.

Cool One Before You Do

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

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.

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.

The Nutrition Information 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

Related Recipe Name, Ingredients, And Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing Those Recipes For The Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing Recipe Hawaii 

Hawaiian-Style Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad Dressing

Ingredients For The Hawaiian-Style Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad Dressing 

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons pineapple juice (Hawaiian tropical flavor)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/3 cup neutral oil (canola/vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Hawaiian-Style Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad Dressing

• Mix the Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, and neutral oil.
• Add Sweetness & Aromatics: Stir in honey, grated ginger, fresh minced garlic, and sesame seeds.
• Add Optional Enhancers: Mix in lime juice for freshness or red pepper flakes for a small spicy kick.
• Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk gently until everything is well combined and the honey dissolves.
• Rest the Dressing: Let the dressing sit for 15–20 minutes to allow sesame, ginger, and tropical flavors to blend.

Tropical Mandarin Soy Chicken Salad Dressing

Ingredients For The Tropical Mandarin Soy Chicken Salad Dressing

• 1/3 cup mandarin orange juice (fresh or canned juice from mandarin segments)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh chili flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Tropical Mandarin Soy Chicken Salad Dressing

• Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, pour in the mandarin orange juice. This will give the dressing its tropical sweetness and fruity aroma.
• Add the Savory Elements: Add the soy sauce and rice vinegar. These balance the sweetness with umami and acidity.
• Sweeten & Flavor: Stir in the honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well until the honey dissolves completely.
• Add Oils for Smoothness: Whisk in the sesame oil and vegetable/olive oil. These help the dressing emulsify and coat the salad beautifully.
• Add the Finishing Touches: Mix in the toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes. Freshen the taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors blend perfectly.

Pineapple-Sesame Fusion Chicken Salad Dressing

Ingredients For The Pineapple-Sesame Fusion Chicken Salad Dressing

• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• Pinch of salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Pineapple-Sesame Fusion Chicken Salad Dressing

• Combine the Tropical Base: In a small bowl or jar, pour pineapple juice. This will create the sweet, fruity foundation of the dressing.
• Add Savory & Tangy Elements: Add the soy sauce and rice vinegar. These balance the sweetness with umami and acidity.
• Blend in Sweetness and Aromatics: Whisk in the honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix until the honey is fully dissolved.
• Add Oils for a Smooth Emulsion: Pour in the sesame oil and olive/neutral oil. Whisk well to combine the flavors and create a silky texture.
• Finish with Sesame & Heat: Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and chili flakes. Fresh Taste can be added by a small pinch of salt if needed.
• Let It Rest: Chill the dressing for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Hawaiian Island Sweet Chili Chicken Dressing

Ingredients For The Hawaiian Island Sweet Chili Chicken Dressing 

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for more heat)
• Pinch of salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Hawaiian Island Sweet Chili Chicken Dressing

• Build the Sweet & Tropical Base: In a bowl, add sweet chili sauce and pineapple juice. Stir to combine — this forms the sweet, fruity Hawaiian foundation.
• Add Savory & Tangy Notes: Mix in the soy sauce and fresh rice vinegar. These balance sweetness with a touch of acidity and umami.
• Blend in Aromatics: Add grated ginger and minced garlic.: Stir well so the flavors infuse into the dressing.
• Add Oils for Smoothness: Whisk in the sesame oil and olive/neutral oil. This gives the dressing richness and helps it coat the salad evenly.
• Add Finishing Touches: Stir in lime juice, toasted sesame seeds, and optional chili flakes. Taste carefully and add a pinch of salt if needed.
• Rest & Chill: Let the dressing chill for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.

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 a perfect recipe 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.