asian chicken salad recipe

Asian chicken salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing. Known for its vibrant colors and textures, it’s both light and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. The sweet, tangy, and savory notes create a balance that’s hard to resist.

This recipe is quick to prepare and versatile, allowing you to use grilled, baked, or leftover chicken. The crunchy vegetables paired with a sesame-soy dressing give it a unique Asian-inspired flair. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it brings freshness and nutrition to the table.

Ideal for warm weather meals, potlucks, or healthy weeknight dinners, this Asian chicken salad recipe offers a wholesome way to enjoy bold flavors while keeping it light and satisfying.

Ingredients List

– 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
– 4 cups shredded napa cabbage (or green cabbage)
– 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– ½ cup sliced cucumbers
– ½ cup chopped green onions
– ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
– ½ cup roasted almonds or peanuts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:
– ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken by shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can use grilled, roasted, poached, or even rotisserie chicken.

Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine napa cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumbers, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.

Step 3: In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed.

Step 4: Add the cooked chicken to the salad bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Sprinkle roasted almonds or peanuts and sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

Step 6: Serve immediately as a main dish or side. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings

Serves 4

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 310
Carbs: 16g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess if making ahead. Avoid freezing, as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture.

Pairings/Suggestions

This Asian chicken salad pairs beautifully with spring rolls, miso soup, or a side of jasmine rice. For a lighter meal, serve with fresh fruit or a cup of green tea. You can also wrap the salad in rice paper or lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held option.

Seasonal Relevance

Asian chicken salad is especially refreshing during spring and summer when crisp vegetables are in season. However, it can be enjoyed year-round by substituting seasonal produce. In fall, try adding shredded apples or pears; in winter, toss in mandarin oranges for a bright, citrusy twist.

Health Benefits

This salad is packed with lean protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Cabbage and carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immunity and skin health. Nuts provide healthy fats and crunch, while the sesame-soy dressing adds flavor without being overly heavy. By using tamari and honey, the recipe can easily be made gluten-free and naturally sweetened, making it a balanced and nourishing meal.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick and easy to prepare	Dressing may need adjusting for taste
Light yet filling	Best eaten fresh for crispness
Packed with protein and veggies	Not freezer-friendly
Customizable with different toppings	Requires chopping multiple vegetables
Great for meal prep (with separate dressing)	Can become soggy if stored dressed

Conclusion

This Asian chicken salad recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and a healthy option for lunch or dinner. With its balance of crunch, color, and flavor, it’s a salad that stands out on any table.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or summer meals, this salad delivers both nutrition and taste. Once you try it, you’ll find it becoming a regular favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and makes preparation even quicker.

Q2: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or edamame for a vegetarian protein option.

Q3: How can I make the dressing less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute the dressing with a bit of water or extra lime juice.

Q4: Can I add fruit to the salad?
Yes, mandarin oranges, mango, or pineapple add a sweet, refreshing flavor that complements the dressing.

Q5: How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prep the vegetables and chicken a day ahead, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best results.