A healthy version of the restaurant classic, this crunchy, flavor-packed Asian chicken chopped salad is filled with veggies and tender chicken tossed in a creamy, peanut dressing. This easy, nourishing recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner packed with protein and crunch!
Whenever I see a Chinese chicken salad on a restaurant menu, I always order it! How can I resist the salty, sweet, crunchy, savory goodness? I am a big fan of Asian inspired flavors, which is why I’m regularly cooking dishes like Garlic Style Chinese Green Beans, Crispy Oven Baked Egg Rolls or Chinese Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry.
Like any restaurant dish, making it at home is always the best way to slash calories and control the quality of ingredients. By making a few simple swaps, I’m able to turn this Asian Chicken Chopped Salad into a healthy, guilt-free dish I can enjoy on the regular.
Why You’ll Love This Chopped Salad
- A great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, or any leftover meat you have on hand!
- There is no added sugars or sweetener in the dressing.
- Makes for a perfectly balanced lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- For the dressing: peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and salt.
- For the salad: shredded cabbage, bell pepper, shredded carrots, chicken, scallions, cilantro, peanuts.
How to Make a Healthy Asian Chicken Chopped Salad
Step 1. Add the ingredients for the creamy peanut dressing to a medium sized bowl, and use a microplane to add the fresh garlic.
Step 2. Whisk until dressing is fully combined, and then set aside.
Step 3. In a large bowl, add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper.
Step 4. Then add the shredded chicken and the fresh herbs.
Step 5. Toss until salad is evenly mixed.
Step 6. Take your roasted peanuts and roughly chop or crush them.
Drizzle the dressing over the top of your salad, top with the crushed peanuts, and enjoy your Healthy Asian Chicken Chopped Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of options in what you could include, take inspiration from any Asian cuisine. A soy sauce dressing is a staple, and you could throw in some edamame, sesame seeds, crunchy chow mein noodles, or whatever else you can think of!
Yes of course! Chicken is a great lean source of protein, so it will keep you feeling full while being lower in fat and calories.
Yes! I would recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat it, but you can make this salad up to 4 days in advance.
More Salad Recipes
- Lebanese Chopped Salad
- Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Soy Vinaigrette
- Vietnamese Beef Salad
- Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad
- Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
Did you try this salad and love it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
You could easily keep this salad vegan and vegetarian by leaving out the chicken, but however you choose to serve it, I’m sure everyone will love it!
Your fork is waiting.
Healthy Asian Chicken Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl (cabbage through roasted peanuts); set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together dressing (peanut butter through garlic) until smooth. Add a bit of warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin if you prefer a thinner consistency. Note: you may need to add additional salt to taste.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well. Check for seasoning before serving and adjust accordingly.
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