– **Title**: Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
– 4 cups mixed greens (romaine lettuce, napa cabbage, or any preferred mix)
– 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
– **Peanut Dressing**:
– 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
– 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing as needed)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced chicken, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha until smooth. Add warm water a little at a time to achieve your desired dressing consistency.
3. Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until the salad is well coated.
4. Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, and sprinkle the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top for garnish.
5. Enjoy your Asian chopped chicken salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour for a chilled option.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe. If you’re vegetarian, try using baked tofu or edamame for a similar bite.
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds crunch, but you can mix in purple cabbage for color or use romaine lettuce for a lighter option.
Peppers: Red bell pepper is sweet and adds color. Yellow or orange bell peppers also work, and if you’re looking for a kick, diced jalapeños are a fun twist!
Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a nice crunch, but if you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas can replace them.
Peanut Butter: While I love creamy peanut butter, crunchy works too for more texture. Almond butter is a nice alternative if you prefer a different nut flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Peanut Dressing Is Smooth?
To get that perfect smooth dressing, start by whisking the peanut butter with the soy sauce and rice vinegar first. It helps break down the peanut butter. Gradually add the water to reach your desired consistency while whisking continuously. If it’s too thick, keep adding water a little at a time.
- Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Add water slowly while whisking until dressed to your liking.
How to Make Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water to thin, as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and just 30 minutes to chill if you want to let the flavors blend. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a refreshing meal any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded or chopped chicken, thinly sliced green cabbage, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. This colorful mix will be the base of your salad!
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a separate bowl, add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the peanut dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the delicious dressing. This is where the flavors start to come together!
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top of the salad for an extra crunch. You can serve it right away or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your refreshing and tasty Asian Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding or substituting vegetables like shredded napa cabbage, cucumbers, snap peas, or even edamame for extra protein. Just make sure to keep the overall quantity similar for best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter?
If you’re looking for a substitute, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works well in the peanut dressing. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit; almond butter will have a nuttier taste, while sunflower seed butter is slightly sweeter. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is the best option!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent the greens from getting soggy, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve, then toss before eating!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, the peanut dressing can be made in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it thickens, simply whisk in a little water or lime juice to bring it back to the desired consistency before using.
