Healthy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish loaded with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s the perfect balance of protein, crunch, and freshness—ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. Easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients, this salad satisfies your craving for something hearty yet healthy.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)green cabbage (shredded)red cabbage (shredded)carrots (julienned or shredded)red bell pepper (thinly sliced)cucumber (sliced or julienned)green onions (chopped)cilantro (chopped)roasted almonds or cashews (chopped)crispy wonton strips (optional for extra crunch)

For the dressing:

rice vinegarsoy saucesesame oilolive oilhoneyfresh ginger (grated)garlic (minced)lime juiceSriracha (optional, for a kick)

directions

In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.

Add the shredded chicken and toss gently to combine.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and Sriracha if using.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Top with roasted almonds or cashews and crispy wonton strips if desired.

Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesNo cooking time neededTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken with grilled tofu or shrimp for a different protein.

Add edamame or shredded Napa cabbage for extra texture.

Use a store-bought sesame dressing for convenience.

Add mandarin oranges for a sweet twist.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Store dressing separately to maintain freshness and crunch.Toss salad with dressing just before serving for best texture.

Healthy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate and mix before serving to keep it crisp.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely, it stores well and stays fresh if undressed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free alternatives.

How spicy is the dressing?

The heat level depends on how much Sriracha you add—start with a little and adjust to taste.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut for the cabbage and carrots.

Is it okay to leave out nuts?

Definitely, the salad is still flavorful without them.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables will lose their crispness.

Is this salad low-carb?

Yes, it’s relatively low in carbs, especially without wonton strips.

Can I add noodles?

You can add soba or rice noodles for a heartier version.

Conclusion

Healthy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is a delicious, nutrient-dense dish full of fresh ingredients and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner, a meal-prep option, or a colorful side dish, this salad delivers on all fronts. Try it once and it might just become a go-to in your healthy recipe rotation.

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Healthy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

Healthy Asian Chicken Crunch Salad

  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A light, refreshing, and nutrient-packed salad featuring grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 3 cups napa cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame, cooked and shelled
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, edamame, green onions, and cilantro.
  2. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and gently mix.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and lime juice to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Top with sliced almonds, sesame seeds, and wonton strips (if using).
  6. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
  • For a spicier kick, mix a dash of sriracha into the dressing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.