This Asian Chopped Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and a tasty peanut dressing that brings it all together. It’s fresh, healthy, and just so good!
I love how quick and easy this salad is to make. Toss everything together and it’s ready to enjoy! Plus, you can add any veggies you have on hand for extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover grilled chicken. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu!
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage is crispy and tender. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage works too. You could also use kale for a bit more texture but chop it finely.
Peanut Butter: This ingredient gives richness to the dressing. If allergies are a concern, almond or sunflower seed butter can be used as a substitute.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both work well for sweetness, but agave syrup or stevia can be great alternatives if you prefer lower sugar options.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh juice brightens the flavors. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice can be a good substitute as well.
How Can I Make the Perfect Peanut Dressing?
Making the peanut dressing is a key part of this salad. It’s important to get the right balance of flavors. Start simple with a whisk! Here’s how:
- In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Add honey (or maple syrup) and sesame oil for sweetness and flavor.
- Finish with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed – perhaps a bit more lime for zing or more honey for sweetness.
Use a small whisk or a fork to ensure everything blends well, which is essential for a creamy dressing. Enjoy the smooth, flavorful finish to your salad!
How to Make Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Asian chopped salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to chill it before serving, add an extra 30 minutes. Total time is 45 minutes if you include chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Napa cabbage, grated carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. This colorful mixture will be the base of your salad!
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Take a moment to enjoy the delicious aroma!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. You want every bite to be flavorful!
4. Add the Crunchy Toppings:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds on top of the salad for added crunch and texture. They make a lovely finishing touch!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for a fresh and vibrant dish. If you prefer, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your delicious Asian Chopped Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use grilled, baked, or even rotisserie chicken for this salad. Just ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded, and feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you need a substitute for peanut butter, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. You might want to adjust the sweetness slightly depending on the substitute used!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the salad may become a bit soggy due to the dressing, so consider storing the dressing separately if you plan to keep it longer!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also ensure soy sauce is labeled as vegan, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based meal!
