Create a Flavorful Asian Chicken Crunch Salad in Just Minutes!

Prepare to be wowed by the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Asian Chicken Crunch Salad! This vibrant and nourishing salad features marinated grilled chicken, crunchy cabbage, and an irresistible peanut dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a side dish that steals the show, this Asian-inspired salad is a must-try.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for the Perfect Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Chicken Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Salad Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• ½ cup shelled edamame
• ½ cup diced green onion
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 2 tablespoons warm water or more as needed to thin

Health Benefits of Asian Chicken Crunch Salad Ingredients

This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken breast provides a lean protein source, while the cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The edamame and peanuts add fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The creamy peanut dressing also contains beneficial nutrients from the tahini and ginger.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow dish or resealable bag, combine the soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and sriracha. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Slice the chicken into thin strips and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, edamame, green onion, cilantro, and chopped peanuts.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sriracha. Add the warm water and whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Salad

Toss the salad ingredients with the peanut dressing until evenly coated. Top with the sliced, seasoned chicken and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

To ensure your Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a smash hit, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choosing the Best Chicken

Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy results. Marinating the chicken in the flavorful mixture helps keep it moist and infuses it with delicious Asian-inspired flavors.

Freshness of Vegetables

Using fresh, crisp vegetables is key to achieving the perfect crunch in this salad. If the cabbage or carrots seem a bit wilted, give them a quick rinse in cold water to revive their crisp texture.

Customizing the Dressing

Feel free to adjust the peanut dressing to suit your taste preferences. Add a bit more honey for sweetness, extra sriracha for a spicy kick, or a splash of lime juice for a zesty note.

Storing Leftovers

This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to store the dressing and salad components separately. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.

Variations of Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Vegetarian or Vegan Options

To make this salad vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the chicken and replace it with baked or sautéed tofu, grilled tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. The crunchy vegetables and flavorful peanut dressing will still make for a delicious meatless meal.

Alternative Proteins

If you’re not in the mood for chicken, try swapping it out for grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or sliced steak. The Asian-inspired flavors will complement a variety of protein sources.

Additions and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Asian Chicken Crunch Salad by adding thinly sliced radish, chopped water chestnuts, roasted peanuts, or crispy wonton strips. You can also switch up the greens, using a mix of baby spinach, arugula, or mixed spring greens.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad
• Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Asian Quinoa Salad Bowl
• Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe

FAQs About Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

What ingredients are needed for Asian Chicken Crunch Salad?

The essential ingredients for this salad include chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, edamame, green onion, cilantro, peanuts, and a flavorful peanut dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sriracha.

Can I make the salad ahead of time without it getting soggy?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components in advance, but it’s best to store the dressing and salad separately. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

What type of dressing pairs best with Asian Chicken Crunch Salad?

The creamy peanut dressing featured in this recipe is a perfect match for the Asian Chicken Crunch Salad. The blend of peanut butter, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Asian-inspired seasonings complement the crunchy veggies and savory chicken.

Can I substitute chicken with a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the chicken with baked or sautéed tofu, grilled tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. The crunchy vegetables and flavorful peanut dressing will still make for a delicious meatless meal.

Conclusion

Prepare to be wowed by the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Asian Chicken Crunch Salad. With its marinated grilled chicken, crunchy cabbage, and irresistible peanut dressing, this vibrant salad is a must-try. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a side dish that steals the show, this Asian-inspired salad is sure to become a new family favorite.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

Print