Name: Asian Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast; 4 cups shredded napa cabbage; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced; 3 green onions sliced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 garlic clove minced; Salt and black pepper to taste

Spread the love

Looking for a light yet satisfying dish? Asian Chicken Salad is a Vibrant Crunchy Meal that combines juicy shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for lunches, dinners, or gatherings. Make this Asian Chicken Salad and enjoy a burst of color and flavor in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Asian Chicken Salad

I’m obsessed with Asian Chicken Salad because it’s a Vibrant Crunchy Meal that delivers freshness, crunch, and bold umami flavors. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this Vibrant Crunchy Meal is a go-to for busy days or impressive entertaining!

Ingredients for Asian Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for Asian Chicken Salad (serves 4–6):

Salad

2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
3 cups shredded napa cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup crispy wonton strips
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Dressing

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving platter or bowls

Ingredient Tips

Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience; shred finely for even flavor.
Cabbage: Napa cabbage adds tenderness; regular green cabbage works in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free diets.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds zing; ground ginger (½ tsp) can substitute.
Wonton Strips: Store-bought or homemade strips add crunch; keep separate until serving.

Directions for Asian Chicken Salad

Let’s make this Asian Chicken Salad!

Prep the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, I combine 2 cups shredded chicken, 3 cups napa cabbage, 1 cup red cabbage, 1 cup carrots, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 3 sliced green onions, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro for a colorful, crunchy base.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, I whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth and glossy.

Toss the Salad

I pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss with tongs to ensure every piece is coated with the tangy, savory dressing.

Add Crunchy Toppings

I sprinkle in ¼ cup sliced almonds and 1 tbsp sesame seeds, tossing lightly to distribute the crunch.

Serve with Wonton Strips

I transfer the salad to a platter or bowls and top with ¼ cup crispy wonton strips just before serving to keep them crisp.

Enjoy Immediately

I serve the salad cold or at room temperature, perfect for a fresh, flavorful Vibrant Crunchy Meal.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 20g protein, 15g fat, 3g fiber

Variations for Asian Chicken Salad

Try these twists on Asian Chicken Salad:

Gluten-Free: Use tamari and gluten-free wonton strips for a Vibrant Crunchy Meal everyone can enjoy.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili oil to the dressing for a fiery Vibrant Crunchy Meal.
Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu or edamame for a plant-based option.
Nut-Free: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Fruit Twist: Add ½ cup mandarin orange segments for a sweet, citrusy touch.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Food and Tips’ Alfredo Chicken Wings for a bold meal spread.
Serve with spring rolls or miso soup to complement the Vibrant Crunchy Meal.
Offer at picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or dinner.

Storage

I store Asian Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping wonton strips and garnishes separate to maintain crunch. I don’t recommend freezing the salad due to the fresh veggies, but I freeze shredded chicken alone for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before using in a fresh batch. To refresh leftovers, I add a splash of dressing and new wonton strips before serving cold.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve in lettuce cups or mason jars for a fun, portable look.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds, cilantro, or sliced red chili for flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with iced green tea, jasmine rice, or chilled soba noodles to enhance the Vibrant Crunchy Meal.
Portion Size: 1–1.5 cups per person for a light meal or side.
Occasions: Perfect for lunches, potlucks, or summer gatherings.

FAQs About Asian Chicken Salad

Here are some frequently asked questions about Asian Chicken Salad:

Can I make Asian Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep all the salad ingredients and the dressing up to a day in advance; just keep everything separate and assemble right before serving for the crispiest texture.

Is Asian Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and double-check that your crispy wontons are gluten-free, and you’re set for a delicious, safe meal.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and makes this Asian Chicken Salad extra easy for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

My salad tastes bland. How can I boost the flavor?
Try adding a little more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to the dressing. Chopped fresh herbs, a sprinkle of salt, or an extra squeeze of honey can also help bring all the flavors up a notch.

What other proteins can I use?
Feel free to swap chicken for cooked shrimp, tofu, or even sliced steak to mix things up. It’s a flexible, crowd-pleasing formula that works with whatever you have on hand.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes, replace chicken with tofu or edamame and ensure the dressing uses vegan-friendly ingredients like tamari for a delicious vegan version.

More Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love Chicken Waldorf Salad: A Fresh Summer Classic Best Minestrone Soup Recipe Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe – A Fresh Summer Delight Thai Mango Salad: A Vibrant Summer Delight

Conclusion

This Asian Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful treat that combines crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing for a perfect Vibrant Crunchy Meal. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, this Asian Chicken Salad is ideal for any occasion. Make it today and savor the crunch and flavor!