Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and saves time! If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu for protein instead.

Cabbage: Green cabbage gives a nice crunch, but you can use napa or purple cabbage for a fun twist in color and flavor. If cabbage isn’t your thing, try kale or mixed greens!

Peanut Butter: This is essential for the dressing. If you have allergies, try sun butter or almond butter instead. Natural peanut butter works best as it mixes smoothly.

Vegetables: Carrots add sweetness and color. If you don’t have them, use radishes or snap peas. Any veggies you like can be tossed in for added crunch!

Herbs: Cilantro brings freshness, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute. Green onions can also be switched with chives or shallots.

How Do You Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?

The dressing is a key part of this salad, and getting it just right is important! Start with peanut butter; depending on its thickness, you may need to adjust how much water you add.

• Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, sesame oil, and lime juice in a bowl.
• Whisk until smooth; if it’s too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s as runny as you like. You want it pourable but not watery.
• If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes at the end to kick it up a notch!

How to Make Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy to whip up, perfect for a refreshing lunch or dinner. If you let it chill for up to an hour after mixing, the flavors will meld beautifully!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, finely shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped roasted peanuts. Mix everything together well to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Make the Peanut Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and lime juice. If your dressing is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. If you like some heat, sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes to taste.

3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:

Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is well coated with dressing. Take care to not crush the ingredients—the goal is to keep it fresh and crunchy!

4. Season and Serve:

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste over the salad. You can serve it immediately for a fresh crunch, or let it chill in the fridge for up to an hour so the flavors blend nicely. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty Asian Chopped Chicken Salad!

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in This Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred off the skin, remove the bones, and use the meat in place of cooked chicken. It’s a real time-saver!

What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?

If you have a peanut allergy or prefer an alternative, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that flavor will vary slightly, but these substitutes work well in the dressing!

How Should I Store Leftover Salad?

To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the veggies from getting soggy. When ready to eat, just combine them again!

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Shredded broccoli, snap peas, or even edamame would all make great additions. Just remember to keep your cuts uniform so they mix well and are easy to eat.