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
Scale
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.
