Tangy Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe for Weeknights (Print Version)

This Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe delivers vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight meal!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free (if using appropriate chicken/tofu)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Salad Components

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 5 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded green cabbage & carrots)
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

→ Creamy Peanut Dressing

04 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
05 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
07 - 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
08 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
09 - 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
12 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

→ Crunchy Toppings & Fresh Accents

13 - 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that chicken ready. If you're using leftover rotisserie, just shred it up. If you're cooking it fresh, a quick pan-fry or bake works wonders. While that's happening, chop your red bell pepper into thin strips and get your coleslaw mix out. I usually give the coleslaw mix a quick rinse and pat dry, just to make sure it's super fresh and crisp. This step is all about setting up your vibrant base for your Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe; it smells so fresh and clean already!
02 - Now for the magic! In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. I always taste it here and adjust. Sometimes I add a tiny splash of water if it feels too thick, or a bit more lime juice if I want extra zing. This is where you can totally make it your own. I once forgot the ginger, and the dressing felt a bit flat, so now I double-check my ingredients list every time. It's truly the heart of this Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, and chopped red bell pepper. This is where the colors really start to pop! I like to use a really big bowl so I have plenty of room to toss everything without making a mess. Honestly, sometimes I get a little too enthusiastic with my tossing, and bits of cabbage fly everywhere. Kitchen chaos, am I right? But it's all part of the fun of making a fresh, vibrant Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe.
04 - Pour about half to two-thirds of your delicious peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Now, gently toss everything together until it's all nicely coated. You want every piece of chicken and veggie to get a hug from that creamy dressing. I usually start with less dressing and add more as needed, because nobody wants a soggy salad. You can always add more, but you can't take it away! This step really brings the whole Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe to life.
05 - This is where the "crunch" in Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe really comes in! Sprinkle in your chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. If I'm feeling extra fancy, I'll sometimes add a handful of crispy fried onions or sesame seeds here too. Give it another gentle toss, just enough to distribute the toppings without crushing them. The texture contrast is what makes this salad so incredibly satisfying; it's a symphony of flavors and textures!
06 - Plate up your beautiful Peanut Chicken Crunch Salad Recipe immediately! A final squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before serving really brightens everything up. I sometimes garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I'm craving a little heat. Take a moment to admire the vibrant colors and inhale that amazing aroma. It's ready to be devoured, and honestly, you deserve every delicious bite after all that hard work (or, you know, minimal effort!).

# Notes:

01 - Always taste the dressing before adding it all; adjust sweetness, tang, or salt to your liking. It's easier to fix it in the bowl than on the salad!
02 - Don't over-dress the salad, especially if you plan on having leftovers. Add dressing in stages to maintain crunch.
03 - Fresh ginger and garlic are non-negotiable here, trust me; dried just won't give you that vibrant kick.
04 - Toasting your peanuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before chopping really intensifies their flavor and crunch. Don't skip this!
05 - If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.
06 - For meal prep, store the dressing and the salad components separately to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
07 - If you don't have fresh ginger, a small pinch of dried ginger powder can work, but it won't be quite as vibrant.
08 - Serve with a side of warm naan or fluffy jasmine rice to make it a heartier meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-35g
Protein: 30-35g

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