Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or any leftover cooked chicken you have. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or tofu work great too!

Cabbage: Green cabbage adds crunch. If you can’t find it, Napa cabbage or broccoli slaw are good alternatives. Purple cabbage also gives a nice color and a slightly different taste.

Peking Peppers: The red bell pepper brings sweetness. Feel free to swap it for yellow or orange peppers, or even other veggies like snap peas or cucumbers if you prefer something different.

Peanuts: Unsalted chopped peanuts provide a nice crunch. If allergies are a concern, sunflower seeds are a tasty alternative. You could also use cashews for a bit of sweetness.

Dressing: Creamy peanut butter is key, but you can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. For sweetness, maple syrup works as a great alternative to honey.

How Do I Make the Perfect Peanut Dressing?

The dressing is vital in this salad and making it just right is simple! Here’s how to get that creamy and flavorful peanut dressing:

• In a bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and your sweetener of choice.
• Add sesame oil for depth of flavor and minced ginger if you’re using it.
• Whisk everything together until smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time until you get the right thickness. It should be pourable but not too runny.
• Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. A little goes a long way!

Mixing well will ensure every bite of salad gets that tasty dressing. Enjoy the bright flavors this brings to your dish!

Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup chopped peanuts (unsalted)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an optional chilling time of 30 minutes to let the flavors combine beautifully. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a fresh and tasty dish ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, cilantro, and peanuts. Gently toss all these ingredients so they’re well combined and look colorful!

2. Whisk the Peanut Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and minced ginger if you’re using it. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is the consistency you like—smooth but not runny.

3. Dress the Salad:

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together well so that the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. It should look deliciously glossy!

4. Garnish and Serve:

If you’d like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and flavor. You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your tasty Asian Chopped Chicken Salad!

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like snap peas, cucumber, or even radishes. Just ensure they are chopped finely to maintain the salad’s texture. The key is to keep the crunch!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the salad is dressed, it may become soggy the longer it sits. To prevent this, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the peanut dressing in advance! It keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or whisk when you’re ready to use it, and adjust with more water if needed to thin it out.

What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?

If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute. The taste will vary slightly, but both options work great in this dressing!