Asian Chicken Crunch Salad – 10-Minute Healthy Recipe

This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a vibrant, delicious dish packed with fresh vegetables, crispy chicken, and a flavorful peanut dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy lunch, this salad combines a variety of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed meal or a refreshing dish to enjoy during warmer months, this Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

If you’re craving something crunchy, flavorful, and nutritious, this Asian Chicken Crunch Salad ticks all the boxes. The salad is loaded with crisp vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, topped with crispy sesame chicken and dressed in a tangy peanut sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, high-protein meal that’s ideal for busy days, meal prepping, or as a light dinner. The peanut dressing adds a rich, creamy element, while the chicken provides the protein necessary to keep you full and satisfied.

Key Ingredients for the Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

To make the best Asian Chicken Crunch Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Salad Ingredients

• Cabbage (purple and green): Offers crunch and loads of fiber and antioxidants.
• Carrots: Adds color and sweetness, complementing the other vegetables.
• Bell pepper: Adds a crisp texture and a mild sweetness.
• Edamame: Adds extra protein and fiber, making the salad more filling.
• Cilantro and green onions: Fresh herbs to brighten up the flavor profile.
• Peanuts: Adds crunch and a salty, nutty flavor to the salad.

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

• Chicken breast: The main protein in this salad, marinated for maximum flavor.
• Soy sauce (or tamari): A base for the marinade, contributing saltiness and umami.
• Sesame oil: Provides a distinct flavor and aroma.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness.
• Rice vinegar and Sriracha: The vinegar adds tang, while the Sriracha gives a little heat.
• Sesame seeds: To top off the chicken for a crispy, toasted texture.

Peanut Dressing Ingredients

• Peanut butter: Creamy base for the dressing, contributing richness and flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds tang to the dressing.
• Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally.
• Sesame oil and soy sauce: These ingredients add savory depth to the dressing.
• Sriracha: Adds heat to the dressing for an extra kick.

Substitutes and Alternatives

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan or just need a substitution, there are some great options available:

• Tofu: Swap the chicken for grilled or pan-fried sesame tofu for a vegetarian or vegan option.
• Rice noodles: You can turn this salad into a noodle salad by adding cooked rice noodles for added texture and flavor.
• Cashews or almonds: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, feel free to use roasted cashews or sliced almonds for a crunchy topping.

How to Make Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Sriracha, and sesame seeds for the marinade. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Make the Peanut Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, Sriracha, and a little warm water to thin out the dressing.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the cabbage using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Slice the bell pepper, shred the carrots, and prepare the edamame and herbs. Place all the vegetables into a large bowl.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the marinated chicken (reserve the remaining marinade) and cook until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes. Once cooked, add the reserved marinade to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Salad: Toss the shredded vegetables with the peanut dressing. Add the cooked chicken, toss to combine, and garnish with more cilantro and sesame seeds.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

• Crisp Veggies: The cabbage in this salad holds up well even after dressing, making it perfect for meal prep. The salad will remain crunchy for several days in the fridge.
• Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha in the marinade and dressing to control the heat level.
• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Make sure to give it a good toss before serving.
• Add More Protein: If you want more protein, you can add extra edamame or top the salad with a hard-boiled egg.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Asian Chicken Crunch Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Rice noodles: Add cooked rice noodles to turn the salad into a noodle bowl.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini for a hearty meal.
• Additional toppings: For extra crunch, sprinkle some crispy wonton strips, roasted cashews, or sliced almonds on top.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is perfect for meal prepping! It stays fresh and crunchy for several days, so make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

The Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing. With its high protein content and vibrant textures, it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also an excellent option for meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad has everything you need to satisfy your cravings. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this healthy, crunchy salad any time.

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