Asian Chicken Salad

Asian Chicken Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables, crunchy toppings, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. Bursting with color and flavor, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious — perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is everything you want in a meal — fresh, flavorful, and filling without being heavy. The combination of textures, from juicy chicken to crunchy veggies and crispy toppings, makes every bite exciting. The homemade Asian-inspired dressing ties it all together with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy kick. It’s naturally gluten-free (with gluten-free soy sauce) and easy to customize to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
• Green cabbage or napa cabbage, shredded
• Red cabbage, shredded
• Carrots, julienned or shredded
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Cucumber, sliced into matchsticks
• Green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
• Slivered almonds or chopped peanuts
• Crunchy wonton strips or rice noodles (optional for garnish)

For the dressing:

• Soy sauce or tamari
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Lime juice
• Chili flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbages, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.
2. Add the cooked chicken and chopped herbs, and toss gently.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle slivered almonds or peanuts and crunchy toppings over the salad before serving.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 25 minutes to prepare.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu, edamame, or tempeh.
• Fruit twist: Add mandarin orange segments or mango for a sweet contrast.
• Nut-free: Skip the nuts and use sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
• Grilled version: Use grilled chicken thighs or drumsticks for a smoky flavor.
• Low-carb: Omit the wonton strips and sweetener in the dressing.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed the same day to maintain crunch. This salad is served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best?

Grilled, baked, poached, or rotisserie chicken all work well. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before adding.

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes, a bag of coleslaw mix can be a quick substitute for shredded cabbage and carrots.

Is this salad spicy?

It can be if you add chili flakes or sriracha. You can skip them for a milder version.

Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes, the dressing can be made 3–5 days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed container.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Snap peas, radishes, and bean sprouts are great additions.

How do I keep it crunchy?

Add dressing just before serving, and keep crunchy toppings like wontons or nuts separate until ready to eat.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Can I make it in advance for lunch?

Yes, assemble all ingredients without the dressing and keep them chilled. Add dressing and toppings just before eating.

What protein can I use besides chicken?

Shrimp, grilled steak, tofu, or even tempeh are great protein alternatives.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s traditionally served cold, but slightly warm chicken can be used for a cozy twist.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up and full of bold, delicious flavors. With crisp veggies, juicy chicken, and a savory-sweet dressing, it’s a perfect go-to for busy weekdays, picnics, or light dinners. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a healthy, wholesome dish any time.

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