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Fresh Asian Chicken Salad Recipe with Zesty Peanut Lime Dressing

Fresh Asian Chicken Salad - featured image
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A bright, crunchy, and flavorful salad featuring tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy peanut lime dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that satisfies and refreshes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1 cup cooked rice noodles or crispy wonton strips (optional)
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons warm water
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Poach or grill chicken breasts until cooked through (about 15 minutes poaching or 6-7 minutes per side on grill). Let cool, then shred or slice thinly. If using leftover rotisserie chicken, shred and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice green and purple cabbage and place in a large bowl. Julienne carrot and red bell pepper, add to bowl. Slice green onions and roughly chop cilantro and mint leaves. Toss together evenly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using. Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until creamy and pourable. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Toss the Salad: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Add shredded chicken and toss lightly again.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer salad to serving bowl or plates. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and cooked rice noodles or crispy wonton strips on top. Drizzle remaining dressing over or serve on the side.

Notes

Use creamy peanut butter for smooth dressing or chunky for texture. Swap soy sauce for tamari to make gluten-free. Let salad rest 10 minutes before serving for better flavor absorption but avoid sogginess. Keep salad and dressing separate if storing. Pat veggies dry thoroughly for crispness. Can substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, peanut lime dressing, healthy salad, quick dinner, fresh salad, chicken salad recipe, easy salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-asian-chicken-salad-recipe-with-zesty-peanut-lime-dressing-easy-and-healthy/