If you’re craving a salad that’s anything but boring, this Quick Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is your answer. Packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and an irresistible mix of textures, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a light yet satisfying lunch.
The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when you want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet Asian-inspired dressing, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
✅ Ready in minutes – Faster than takeout!
✅ Crunchy, fresh, and satisfying – No sad, wilted greens here.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Stays fresh for days in the fridge.
✅ Versatile – Swap proteins or veggies based on what you have.
✅ Big on flavor – The dressing is addictive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple, or a mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned or spiralized
- ½ cup edamame (shelled)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup cilantro or Thai basil, chopped
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips or crushed ramen noodles (for crunch)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or almonds, chopped
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Vegetables
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, edamame, green onions, and cilantro.
2. Add the Chicken
- Toss in the cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or leftover baked chicken all work).
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small jar, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Top with crispy wonton strips and chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days (add crunchy toppings just before eating).
Variations & Swaps
🌱 Vegetarian? Use tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
🍗 Extra protein? Add hard-boiled eggs or shrimp.
🍜 More crunch? Swap wonton strips for chow mein noodles or sunflower seeds.
🥗 Lower-carb? Skip the crispy toppings and add extra veggies like snap peas or radishes.
Meal Prep Tips
- Store the dressing separately to keep the veggies crisp.
- Prep all veggies in advance for ultra-fast assembly.
- Double the recipe for easy lunches all week.
Serving Suggestions
- Pack into mason jars for a portable lunch.
- Serve with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls.
- Turn it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Asian Chicken Crunch Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet—all in one bowl. It’s light enough to feel healthy but hearty enough to keep you full, making it a year-round favorite.
Whip it up tonight and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home! 🥢✨