This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing make this a delicious and healthy meal. It’s perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep option that keeps well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with crunchy, fresh vegetables
- High in protein and packed with nutritious ingredients
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Tossed in a flavorful homemade sesame-ginger dressing
- Perfect for meal prep and stays crisp in the fridge
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced
- Napa cabbage, shredded
- Red cabbage, shredded
- Carrots, julienned
- Bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Slivered almonds or chopped peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Crispy wonton strips (optional)
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
- Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Lime juice
- Sriracha (optional, for spice)
Directions
- Grill the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and sriracha.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add the Chicken: Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with slivered almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips if using. Serve immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or edamame.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed ramen noodles or roasted cashews.
- Spicy Kick: Increase sriracha in the dressing or add chili flakes.
- Different Protein: Use shrimp, grilled steak, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the wonton strips and use extra veggies.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Dressing Storage: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.
- Meal Prep Tip: Assemble ingredients separately and mix just before serving to keep everything fresh.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this even quicker to prepare.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage?
Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor for thin, even slices.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit the wonton strips to keep it gluten-free.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add avocado, quinoa, or extra protein like shrimp or tofu.
What’s a good side dish for this salad?
Serve with miso soup, egg rolls, or steamed edamame.
Can I add fruit?
Yes! Mandarin oranges or sliced mango add a sweet contrast.
What’s the best way to grill chicken for this salad?
Use a grill pan or outdoor grill, and marinate the chicken for extra flavor.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade sesame-ginger dressing gives the freshest taste.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Toss the dressing in just before serving and store ingredients separately for meal prep.
Conclusion
This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination of crispy vegetables, tender grilled chicken, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing makes it a delicious and satisfying meal. Try it today and customize it with your favorite toppings!
Description
This refreshing salad features crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, paired with juicy chicken and tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and the perfect amount of crunch!
For the Salad:
For the Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, sriracha, lime juice, and olive oil.
- Set aside to let the flavors blend.
-
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
-
Toss & Serve:
- Drizzle the sesame-ginger dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with almonds (or peanuts) and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Boost: Add edamame or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crispy wonton strips.
- Make it Meal-Prep Friendly: Store the salad and dressing separately, then toss before serving.