Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad

Do you have 30 minutes? Good! That means you have time to throw together this refreshing Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad! It’s a rainbow of colors + textures bolstered by a silky peanut dressing—a flavor explosion, I guarantee.

I have compiled a scrumptious conglomeration of typical Southeastern Asian ingredients including sesame oil + cilantro + ginger (for flavor) and chopped peanuts + cabbage + carrots (for crunch). You could always add crispy wontons for extra toothsomeness. 

I’ve also included a zinger: green papaya. Most Asian markets carry green, or under ripe, papayas either whole or shredded in a bag. Adding green papaya among this salad’s gorgeous vegetables + flavors provides just another dimension to this multifaceted dish. While you could certainly leave it out and still have an amazing salad, the papaya adds a fresh + sweet + sour surprise I think you’ll enjoy. 

In my photos you’ll see my papaya started to ripen. No worries–i just had a little extra fruit flavor which was delicious.

Grab a rotisserie chicken on the way home from work or soccer or ballet lessons or ______ (insert any adulting task that keeps you busy) and presto! You have a perfect midweek meal that is sure to get rave reviews. Or top this Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad with leftover chicken or pork—both are delicious options. Tofu is a gorgeous substitute, as well. 

This recipe serves 4 real-people servings (which for us gluttons translates to 2 because The Man and I say phooey to the DRA “typical” serving sizes).  If you have leftovers, this salad is still perky the next day. You can either hold off on dressing your Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad till it is time for the redux or enjoy how the succulent peanut dressing marinates the cabbage overnight.

I am confident you will love this Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad. Put some Asia in your mouth!

This Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad pairs deliciously with a chilled Gewurztraminer or Champagne. Just sayin’. 

Enjoy!

XXOO AB

If you make this Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below and tag #nakedepicurean on Instagram so we can celebrate together. 

Tangy + Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad (for 4)

INGREDIENTS

for the peanut dressing

• ½  cup smooth peanut butter
• ⅓  cup low sodium soy sauce (or fish sauce, if you prefer)
• ⅓  cup dark sesame oil 
• ¼  cup rice vinegar
• 2-ish tablespoons sriracha 
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• a small knob of fresh ginger, peeled
• a clove of fresh garlic, peeled
• ¼  cup water to thin to desired consistency

for the salad

• 3–4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
• 1 bag of shredded cabbage, red cabbage or kale (about 3-4 cups)
• ½ cup + matchstick carrots (2-3 carrots)
• 1 green papaya (1–2 cups grated) (optional)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½  cup peanuts, chopped
• ½  cup green onions, sliced (2-3 onions)
• 3–4 red serrano peppers, sliced
• 2 limes, juiced

INSTRUCTIONS

for the dressing: Pulse all ingredients in the blender. Adjust consistency with water.

for the salad: Toss the salad ingredients in a big bowl. While stirring the salad, drizzle the peanut dressing to coat thoroughly. Season with salt + lime juice. Serve chilled.