Name: Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix 1 cup shredded carrots 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 3 green onions, sliced 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts 1 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips For the Dressing: 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, minced Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is easy to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and delivers a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. It’s ideal for quick lunches, light dinners, or meal prep, offering a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and tasty.

ingredients

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

2 cups cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast
4 cups shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts
1 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat

directions

In a large bowl, combine chicken, Napa cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and sriracha if using.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
Just before serving, sprinkle sliced almonds and crunchy noodles on top for texture.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
No cooking required if using pre-cooked chicken

Variations

Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Add mandarin orange segments or sliced mango for sweetness.
Substitute almonds with cashews or peanuts.
Toss in edamame or snap peas for extra protein and crunch.
Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a citrusy twist.

storage/reheating

Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain texture. No reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken?

Cook chicken fully before adding to the salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes, store components separately and assemble before serving.

How spicy is this salad?

Adjust sriracha to control heat level.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Not recommended due to fresh vegetables.

Can I add noodles earlier?

Add crunchy noodles only before serving to prevent sogginess.

Are nuts necessary?

They add texture but can be omitted for allergies.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing enhances freshness.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep salad and dressing separate in airtight containers.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes, reduce spice and customize toppings as needed.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for quick meals or healthy lunches. With its vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and crunchy toppings, it offers a delightful balance of taste and texture that’s sure to become a favorite.