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Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Peanut Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

This vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad combines crunchy Napa cabbage, colorful shredded carrots, and tender cooked chicken, all tossed in a rich and creamy Asian peanut dressing. Garnished with crunchy fried noodles, chopped peanuts, and fresh scallions, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors with a hint of spicy Sriracha heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Asian Peanut Salad Dressing

  • 2 1/2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp canola oil (or vegetable, grapeseed or peanut oil)
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp+ Sriracha (adjust for spiciness)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp + 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 – 1 1/2 tbsp water (or lime juice)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger

Salad

  • 1 1/2 cups Chinese cabbage / Napa cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups carrots, julienned (pre-shredded carrots can be used)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 shallot / green onion / scallion, finely sliced on the diagonal
  • 1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4+ cups crunchy fried noodles (such as Changs brand)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a jug or small bowl, combine peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice wine vinegar, water (or lime juice), minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with additional water if needed—aim for a thick, gloopy texture. Adjust spiciness by adding more Sriracha and salt as necessary (avoid adding more soy sauce for saltiness).
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, place shredded Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, shredded cooked chicken, bean sprouts, and the majority of the sliced shallots, chopped peanuts, and crunchy fried noodles—reserve some for garnish.
  3. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the dressing. Transfer to serving bowls or plates, then garnish with the reserved crunchy fried noodles, chopped peanuts, and sliced shallots. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Use pre-shredded carrots to save time, or julienne fresh carrots if preferred.
  • Adjust the Sriracha amount depending on your desired spice level.
  • If you prefer a tangier dressing, substitute water with fresh lime juice.
  • For added crunch, use crunchy fried noodles like Changs brand or similar.
  • This salad is best served immediately to maintain crispness of the noodles and vegetables.

Keywords: Chinese chicken salad, Asian peanut salad dressing, Napa cabbage salad, healthy chicken salad, easy Asian salad

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/chinese-chicken-salad-with-asian-peanut-dressing-recipe/