Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of Asia straight to your table! This Asian Peanut Chicken Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal that combines tender shredded chicken, crisp mixed greens, and crunchy peanuts, all drizzled with a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a delightful salad that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut dressing
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
- In a large mixing bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base of the salad, creating an even layer across the bottom of the bowl.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the mixed greens, ensuring a consistent coverage across the salad.
- Add the shredded carrots and sliced red bell peppers on top of the chicken, creating colorful layers of vegetables.
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad, making sure to coat the ingredients thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the salad, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even distribution of dressing and ingredients.
- Serve immediately in individual bowls, garnishing with additional chopped peanuts if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the vegetables and shred the chicken in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add different textures and flavors to your salad.
- Add More Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding sliced cucumbers, radishes, or even crispy wonton strips to the mix.
- Peanut Butter Alternative: If you're looking for a healthier dressing option, you can substitute the peanut dressing with a homemade version using natural peanut butter, soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice.
- Serve Chilled: For a refreshing twist, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. It enhances the flavors and provides a cool, crisp experience.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes! Fresh cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds can elevate the presentation and flavor profile of your salad.
- Make it a Meal: To make this salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and nutrition.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately to keep everything fresh. Combine them for a quick meal the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
