This Easy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a fresh and colorful mix of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a tasty dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying!
The crunchy bits make it so fun to eat—I can’t resist the crispy chow mein noodles on top! I love whipping this up in just a few minutes. It’s a salad that feels like a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken to save time. For a vegetarian option, you can try diced tofu or tempeh, which also soaks up the dressing well!
Cabbage: A mix of red and green cabbage adds color and crunch. You can substitute with coleslaw mix if you have it on hand or use kale, but remember it’s a bit tougher, so massage it a bit to soften.
Edamame: If edamame is not available, try using black beans or chickpeas. They’ll add protein and a different texture, making the salad hearty.
Peanut Butter: For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well instead of peanut butter. You can also use almond butter if you prefer a different flavor.
Chow Mein Noodles: If you can’t find chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips or even fried onions can provide the same crunch. For a healthier option, skip them entirely or use baked tortilla chips.
How Can I Make the Dressing Smooth and Flavorful?
The dressing is key to bringing this salad together. It should be smooth and well-balanced in flavor. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Start with the peanut butter in a bowl. Whisk in soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until combined.
- Add warm water little by little. This helps the peanut butter blend smoothly into a creamy dressing. Adjust the amount depending on how thick you like it.
- Taste the dressing! You can always tweak it by adding a bit more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.
Getting the dressing right makes a huge difference, so take your time and make it your own!
Easy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups shredded cabbage (mix of red and green cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame beans, cooked and shelled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing to desired consistency)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It includes a quick assembly of fresh ingredients and a super simple dressing. If you’re in a rush, you can make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your salad ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, cooked edamame, green onions, chopped cilantro, and sliced almonds or peanuts. Give it a good mix!
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, add the diced or shredded cooked chicken to the bowl. This will add protein and make the salad filling. Toss everything together gently so that it’s evenly distributed.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. As you mix, gradually add the warm water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. You can adjust how thick or thin it is based on your preference!
4. Combine and Toss:
Now, pour the delicious dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together well to ensure all the veggies and chicken are coated in that fantastic peanut dressing.
5. Add the Crunch:
For that final touch, sprinkle the chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips on top of the salad along with sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to toss in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your salad immediately for the best crunchy experience. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to a couple of hours. Just give it a quick toss before serving! Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Easy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad!
FAQ for Easy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded for easy mixing.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their crunch!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan or Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the chicken and using plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. For the dressing, substitute peanut butter with a nut-free alternative, such as sunflower seed butter, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter in the Dressing?
If you need a substitute for peanut butter, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly!
