If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crunchy, and downright delicious salad that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, fresh crunchy veggies, and a luscious, creamy peanut dressing that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of tang and sweetness. Every bite offers an exciting mix of textures and tastes that make it a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick, satisfying lunch, this Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the harmony of fresh, colorful ingredients. Each component plays an essential role: the crunchy cabbages for texture, the juicy bell pepper for sweetness, and the fragrant cilantro for that fresh herbal note. The creamy peanut dressing ties it all together with its rich, nutty flavor, creating a salad that’s both wholesome and exciting.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped: The hearty protein foundation that makes this salad filling and satisfying.
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage: Adds crispness and mild flavor, creating a perfect crunchy base.
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage: For vibrant color and a slightly earthier crunch.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Sweetness and bright orange color that enlivens the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Juicy sweetness and a splash of red to make the salad pop visually.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Offers a gentle, savory bite that complements the peanut dressing.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Fresh herbal brightness that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and amplifies the peanut theme in the salad.
- Optional 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: A nutty garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle texture.
- For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that makes the dressing smooth and rich.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity and tang to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to mellow the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Fresh citrus zing for brightness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers a warm, toasty aroma to the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Gives a subtle kick and complexity.
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water: Used to thin the dressing to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering your cooked shredded chicken, the colorful cabbages, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts into a large mixing bowl. This mix of ingredients brings various textures and vibrant colors, making the salad both beautiful and exciting to eat.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Then add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until your dressing reaches the ideal pourable consistency that will coat every bite of your salad evenly.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour the luscious peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, making sure every shred of cabbage and piece of chicken is beautifully coated with the flavorful dressing. This step is where the magic happens, melding all the fresh veggies and savory chicken with that irresistible peanut goodness.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe with an extra sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts and optional sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal, plus a little more cilantro if you like. Serve it immediately for the freshest bite or chill it for a bit to let the flavors meld further.
How to Serve Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad’s flavor and presentation, don’t skimp on garnishes. A handful of chopped roasted peanuts adds delightful crunch while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the dressing perfectly. A few extra cilantro leaves on top provide a refreshing herbal finish that brightens every forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls if you want to turn it into a more substantial meal. A small bowl of miso soup alongside also complements the Asian-inspired flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this vibrant Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option. Alternatively, stack it on top of crunchy rice noodles for a heartier creation. For a picnic, pack it in mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and veggies on top for easy mixing when ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can definitely prepare this salad ahead of time! Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep everything crisp, it’s best to add the peanut dressing just before serving or toss it lightly if already combined.
Freezing
This Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe is unfortunately not ideal for freezing because of the fresh veggies and peanut dressing, which may separate or become soggy. For best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this dish is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. However, if you want to enjoy the chicken warm, serve the salad chilled but warm up the chicken separately and add it right before eating.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shredded chicken for firm tofu or cooked tempeh for a fantastic vegetarian option that still works beautifully with the peanut dressing.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad can easily be gluten-free. Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dressing gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The veggies retain their crunch best if the dressing is added just before serving.
Can I add noodles to make it more filling?
Definitely! Cooked rice noodles or soba noodles make a great addition, giving the salad more substance and turning it into a perfect lunch or dinner option.
What’s the best way to chop the vegetables?
Keep it simple by shredding the cabbage and carrots finely and slicing the bell pepper thinly. This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors without overwhelming your mouth.
Final Thoughts
I honestly cannot recommend this Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe enough. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and effortless to whip up — exactly the kind of dish that feels like a special treat but comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend gatherings, this salad is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead, give it a try and get ready to fall in love with every crunchy, creamy bite!
Print
Asian Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Asian Peanut Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, colorful vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and refreshing meal that requires no cooking and makes a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Peanut Dressing
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water to thin
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped roasted peanuts. Toss gently to mix all the salad components evenly.
- Prepare Peanut Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen the dressing to your preferred consistency.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly so that every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or additional cilantro on top as desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate to chill before serving. This salad also holds up well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time.
- This salad is excellent meal prep food and maintains freshness well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Add cooked noodles to the salad for a heartier version.
- Swap chicken for tofu to create a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
