Name: Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485784H15M38S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage; 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup slivered almonds or peanuts; 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

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Fresh, vibrant, and full of texture, Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. This salad brings together crisp vegetables, tender chicken, crunchy toppings, and a savory-sweet Asian-style dressing that ties everything together. It’s not just a side dish—it’s a full meal that satisfies your hunger without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal prep option, this salad is a fantastic choice that delivers both taste and balance.

What sets this salad apart is the contrast in every bite: crisp cabbage and carrots, juicy shredded chicken, crunchy noodles or nuts, and a zesty dressing with notes of sesame, soy, and ginger. It’s colorful, healthy, and endlessly customizable, making it a reliable favorite for weekday meals or potlucks. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly cook and shred your own. With its bold flavors and crunchy textures, Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is proof that salads don’t have to be boring—they can be exciting, nourishing, and downright craveable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Crunchy Texture – Every bite is packed with crunch from fresh veggies and toppings.
Bursting with Flavor – The sesame-soy dressing adds a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet kick.
Quick and Easy – Comes together in 20 minutes or less, especially with pre-cooked chicken.
Healthy and Nourishing – Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Meal Prep Friendly – Stays crisp if dressed right before serving, perfect for grab-and-go lunches.

Ingredients

Shredded chicken (cooked)
Green cabbage
Red cabbage
Carrots
Green onions
Cilantro
Slivered almonds or peanuts
Crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips
Sesame seeds
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Olive oil
Honey or brown sugar
Fresh garlic
Fresh ginger

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Swap the chicken for edamame, tofu, or tempeh for a protein-rich vegetarian option.

Spicy Kick

Add Sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy edge.

Fruit Twist

Toss in mandarin orange segments or diced mango for a sweet contrast.

Nut-Free Option

Use sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely to keep it allergy-friendly.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace crispy noodles with rice crackers or gluten-free toppings.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Thinly slice green and red cabbage, julienne the carrots, and chop green onions and cilantro.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Shred pre-cooked chicken or quickly poach and shred your own.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and ginger.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, chicken, green onions, and cilantro.

Step 5: Toss with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Toppings

Top with slivered almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy noodles just before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even cabbage slices.
Dress the salad right before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Toast nuts and seeds lightly to enhance flavor and texture.
Double the dressing and store extra for later—it works great on other salads or grilled meats.
Use a mix of green and red cabbage for color and visual appeal.

How to Serve

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with:

Grilled chicken skewers or dumplings
Cold soba noodles or rice
Lettuce wraps for a light meal
As a colorful dish for potlucks or picnics

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing and toppings separate for best texture.

Freezing

This salad is not freezer-friendly due to the fresh vegetables and delicate dressing.

Reheating

Not applicable—this is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly in this salad.

2. What’s the best cabbage to use?

A mix of green and red cabbage provides the best crunch and color.

3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.

4. Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely—just store components separately and assemble before eating.

5. What kind of noodles work best?

Crispy chow mein noodles or wonton strips add great crunch.

6. How can I make it low-carb?

Skip the noodles and replace honey with a low-carb sweetener.

7. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Yes, it’s a convenient shortcut that works well.

8. What protein alternatives can I use?

Tofu, shrimp, or grilled steak are all great substitutes.

9. How do I keep it crunchy if making ahead?

Keep the dressing and toppings separate until just before serving.

10. Can I use bottled dressing?

You can, but homemade gives the best flavor and freshness.

Conclusion

Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a colorful, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With its mix of textures, bold dressing, and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for busy lunches, light dinners, or fresh meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Keep it in your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it!