Healthy Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Making this salad is easy! Just chop up your ingredients, toss them in a bowl, and drizzle on that dressing. Healthy eating has never tasted so good!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein to this salad. I love using rotisserie chicken because it saves time. You can swap it for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option!

Cabbage: I prefer Napa cabbage for its tender leaves. But any cabbage type works! You can even use kale or mixed greens for a twist.

Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter makes the dressing creamy. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative, or tahini for a nut-free version!

Honey or Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness to the dressing. You can swap these for agave nectar or stevia if you prefer a lower-calorie option.

What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Peanut Dressing?

Making a creamy peanut dressing is quick and easy! Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly smooth:

• Start with room temperature peanut butter. It blends better!
• Mix all ingredients except water first. Then slowly add warm water to achieve your desired consistency. I find that 2-3 tablespoons usually do the trick.
• If your dressing is too thick, just add more water gradually. It’s easier than fixing it if it gets too thin!
• Don’t forget to taste and adjust. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for tang.

These techniques will help you whip up a delicious and creamy dressing every time! Enjoy your salad!

Healthy Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa cabbage)
• 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing to desired consistency)
• Juice of half a lime
• Optional: a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes chopping and mixing the salad ingredients and about 5-10 minutes making the creamy peanut dressing. It’s quick enough for a lunch break yet satisfying enough for dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:

In a large salad bowl, start by adding the shredded chicken. Then, toss in the shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped peanuts. Gently mix everything together so it’s evenly distributed.

2. Make the Peanut Dressing:

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the natural peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the dressing becomes smooth and pourable. If you love a little heat, add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce at this point!

3. Dress the Salad:

Pour the delicious peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together well so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. This step is key to ensure each bite is flavorful!

4. Serve:

Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped peanuts on top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, vibrant salad!

This vibrant salad combines fresh vegetables and juicy chicken with a creamy, nutty peanut dressing that’s not only light but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, and the leftovers are delicious too!

FAQ for Healthy Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or chop it up before adding it to the salad.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

To make this salad vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Marinate and sauté the tofu, or use canned chickpeas for an easy protein swap!

What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients for the Dressing?

No worries! You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version. Maple syrup can also be replaced with agave nectar if needed. Just adjust the other ingredients to taste!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the freshness and crunch of the veggies!