There’s something about a fresh salad that just screams summer, doesn’t it? I can still remember the first time I made this ***Asian Chicken Crunchy Salad*** for a backyard barbecue. It was one of those warm, sunny days, and I was running around, trying to impress my friends with my culinary skills. I stumbled upon a similar recipe online and decided to give it my twist. Little did I know, this vibrant salad would become a go-to dish for every gathering from that day forward!
What I love most about this salad is the incredible crunch factor mixed with the delicious tang of the dressing. The combinations of textures and flavors create a dish that is not only refreshing but also packed with all the good stuff. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which makes it perfect for those last-minute get-togethers or when you just want to feel fancy without spending a whole day in the kitchen!
What’s in Asian Chicken Crunchy Salad?
– **Cooked Chicken**: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even poached chicken. Either way, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate lean protein into your meal!
– **Green Cabbage**: This is the crunchy base of our salad. I usually go for the green cabbage, but feel free to mix in some purple cabbage for an even more colorful dish.
– **Carrot**: Grating or julienning a large carrot not only adds some beautiful color but also sweetens up the salad beautifully.
– **Red Bell Pepper**: Thinly sliced red bell pepper gives the salad a delightful crunch and a pop of sweetness. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins!
– **Fresh Cilantro**: If you’re a cilantro lover, you’ll appreciate how much fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors. If cilantro isn’t your jam, you could easily swap it out for parsley.
– **Green Onions**: Chopped green onions add a mild oniony flavor and are a great way to sneak in a bit of greens.
– **Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles or Crispy Wonton Strips**: These are the star players for that satisfying crunch. They add texture and fun to your salad.
– **Sliced Almonds**: Totally optional, but if you want an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness, throw in some sliced almonds!
Is Asian Chicken Crunchy Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad packs a nutritious punch and is pretty easy on the calorie count too.
– **Cooked Chicken**: A great source of lean protein that aids muscle growth and helps keep you full.
– **Green Cabbage**: Low in calories and high in fiber, this veggie can support digestive health and provide a variety of vitamins.
– **Carrot**: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin and vision.
– **Red Bell Pepper**: These beauties are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system.
– **Crunchy Additions**: While both chow mein noodles and almonds bring a crunch that’s hard to resist, moderation is key—especially with those almonds, which are high in fats (although they’re healthy fats!).
Just keep an eye on the dressing, as it does contain soy sauce, which can be high in sodium. Opt for a low-sodium option if that’s a concern for you.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1 large carrot, grated or julienned
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for added crunch)
**For the Dressing**:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
– 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here)!
How to Make Asian Chicken Crunchy Salad?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, grated carrot, sliced red bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Just before serving, add the crunchy chow mein noodles or wonton strips and toss lightly to distribute.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced almonds if desired, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your fresh and crispy ***Asian Chicken Crunchy Salad***!
Salad Secrets & Serving Suggestions
Want to jazz it up even more? Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
– **Add Some Spice**: If you like a kick, drizzle a little sriracha on top or add some red pepper flakes to the dressing!
– **Veggie Power**: Feel free to mix in any other crunchy veggies you have on hand—cucumbers, snap peas, or even radishes work great!
– **Make it a Meal**: Pair this salad with grilled shrimp or tofu for a heartier option.
– **Prep Ahead**: You can chop up the veggies and make the dressing ahead of time, just combine everything right before serving for that fresh taste!
I hope you give this ***Asian Chicken Crunchy Salad*** a try—it’s definitely one of those recipes you’ll want to keep close to your heart (and in your recipe book!). Let me know how it turns out and if you make any fun variations! Happy cooking!
