Print

Fresh Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad Recipe with Creamy Peanut Dressing

fresh crunchy asian chicken salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy fresh crunchy Asian chicken salad with creamy peanut dressing, perfect for healthy lunches. Combines tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a flavorful peanut dressing for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken)
  • 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter (smooth, unsweetened preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2–4 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 cups of green cabbage and 1 medium red bell pepper. Julienne or shred 1 cup of carrots. Chop 3 green onions and roughly chop about ½ cup of fresh cilantro. Place all these in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Shred or chop about 2 cups of cooked chicken breast and add to the bowl with the veggies.
  3. Toast ¼ cup chopped peanuts and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine ¼ cup natural peanut butter, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional), and 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk or shake well while slowly adding 2-4 tablespoons water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Finish with 1 teaspoon sesame oil if desired.
  5. Pour the dressing over the veggie and chicken mixture. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted peanuts and sesame seeds on top right before serving.
  7. Serve fresh or chill for about 30 minutes if preferred cold.

Notes

Toast peanuts and sesame seeds for best flavor and texture. Adjust water in dressing for desired consistency. Massage cabbage with salt if too tough. Store dressing separately from salad to keep veggies crisp. Variations include swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, using different nut butters, or adding crunchy toppings like fried shallots or crispy wonton strips.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, peanut dressing, healthy lunch, crunchy salad, quick salad, gluten-free salad, easy recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/fresh-crunchy-asian-chicken-salad-recipe-with-creamy-peanut-dressing-perfect-for-easy-healthy-lunches/