Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad

Name: Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, grated; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/3 cup peanuts, chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Exotic Global Recipes

I truly enjoy whipping up a vibrant Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad for lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing creates a dish that's not only nourishing but also satisfying. I love how easy it is to customize with whatever veggies I have on hand. This salad is packed with fresh flavors and crunchy textures, making each bite delightful. Whether served as a weekday meal or at a gathering, this salad has become a favorite for my family and friends.

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-01-13T14:47:29.547Z

When I first made this Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad, I was amazed by the explosion of flavors playing together. I decided to marinate the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, elevating the overall taste. Each bite bursts with textures and colors thanks to the shredded carrots, chopped cabbage, and crunchy peanuts. I urge you to try adding some toasted sesame seeds for an extra flavor boost.

What’s fantastic about this dish is its versatility. I love experimenting with different dressings; a tangy sesame dressing or honey-lime vinaigrette can take the salad in exciting new directions. Not only is it perfect for using up leftover chicken, but you can also easily prepare the components in advance and toss them together just before serving!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A medley of crunchy textures from fresh vegetables and peanuts
Bright and bold flavors that awaken the taste buds
Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner

      

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

To really elevate the flavors of this Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad, one key technique is marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This not only infuses the chicken with bold umami flavors but also helps tenderize it. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or if you have more time, up to an hour in the refrigerator. You'll notice the chicken develops a rich depth of flavor that becomes a star component of the salad.

Another tip is to add the dressing just before serving. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables. If you prepare the salad ahead of time for meal prep or a gathering, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the lettuce and other veggies from becoming soggy, ensuring a delightful crunch in each bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

When making the salad, feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have available or dietary preferences. For example, if you don't have chicken or prefer a vegetarian option, consider substituting shredded tofu or chickpeas for protein. They will absorb the dressing flavors just as well and maintain a satisfying texture in the salad.

For those who are nut-free, you can replace peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Additionally, if you're looking for a gluten-free option, ensure that you're using tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor profile intact while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Serving and Storing Tips

For serving, I recommend garnishing the salad with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal and crunch. It also adds a nice finishing touch that elevates the overall presentation. Serve it in a large bowl for a family-style meal, or portion it into individual servings for a lunch setting.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, keep the dressing separate to maintain the texture of the veggies. When ready to eat, give it a good toss with the dressing for a quick, satisfying meal. If you want to enjoy it warm, consider lightly sautéing the leftover salad in a pan for a comforting twist.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, grated
1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/3 cup peanuts, chopped

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Make the Dressing

In another bowl, whisk together honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions. Add the marinated chicken and peanuts.

Dress and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat all ingredients, and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this salad your own. It also stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this salad is key to its appeal, with each ingredient adding its own unique crunch. The romaine lettuce provides a refreshing base, while the shredded cabbage adds a robust crunch that's different from softer greens. Grated carrots contribute sweetness and an additional layer of texture, making every bite exciting.

Don't underestimate the role of the peanuts; they not only offer a satisfying crunch but also deliver rich, nutty flavors that balance the sweetness of the dressing. If you're like me and enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Dressing Variations

While the original dressing is delightful, you can easily change things up based on your preferences. For a spicy version, incorporate a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha into the dressing mix for some heat. This adds a new dimension to the flavors that pair beautifully with the fresh ingredients.

You might also consider substituting the honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly twist or adjusting the acidity by adding a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty flavor boost. Don't be afraid to experiment, as this salad is versatile enough to handle various dressings while still tasting amazing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari.

→ How long will this salad last in the fridge?

It's best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness, but the individual ingredients can last longer on their own.

→ Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra tofu or chickpeas for protein.