This Asian Chopped Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies and tender chicken, all tossed together with a creamy peanut dressing. It’s crunchy, tasty, and bursting with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken, but rotisserie chicken is super convenient and adds flavor. If you’re vegetarian, grilled tofu or chickpeas work great instead!
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage is crunchy and slightly sweet, perfect for salads. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage or kale can be used, though the texture will change slightly.
Peanut Butter: For a nut-free option, substitute sun butter or tahini. They won’t taste the same, but they can still give some creaminess to the dressing.
Sriracha: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you want a milder flavor, try using sweet chili sauce or just skip it altogether.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well Mixed?
Tossing the salad ingredients thoroughly is key to ensuring every bite is flavorful. Begin by mixing your dry ingredients in a large bowl, making sure to distribute the chicken, veggies, and nuts evenly.
- When adding the dressing, drizzle it slowly while gently tossing the salad.
- Use serving utensils instead of a spoon, which will help combine everything without damaging the vegetables.
- If the salad sits for a bit, give it another light toss just before serving to refresh the ingredients.
How to Make Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup edamame (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Water (to thin as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, it will enhance the flavors even more. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes if you include chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, finely chopped Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, roughly chopped roasted peanuts, and edamame if you’re using it. Make sure everything is well combined so every bite is packed with flavor!
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and sriracha. Keep mixing until everything is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, don’t worry! Just add a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour your delicious peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together gently with tongs or a large spoon, making sure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. It should look colorful and inviting!
4. Chill and Serve:
You can serve the salad immediately, or let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just before serving, if you’d like, sprinkle with sesame seeds and give the salad another gentle toss to combine everything. Enjoy your refreshing Asian chopped chicken salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap in grilled or baked chicken if you prefer. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and shredded or diced for easy mixing!
What If I Don’t Have Napa Cabbage?
No problem! You can substitute Napa cabbage with regular green cabbage or even romaine lettuce for a different crunch. Just remember that the texture and flavor may vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the salad may get soggy due to the dressing, so consider keeping the dressing separate if you’re preparing it in advance.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut dressing up to a week in advance! Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge. If it thickens, you can always stir in a bit of water before using it to achieve your desired consistency.
