ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD
on Dec 02, 2024, Updated Jul 21, 2025
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Precooked chicken is mixed with vibrant bell peppers, crunchy snap peas, and sliced scallions before being tossed in a peanut, sesame, garlic, and ginger Asian-inspired dressing.
My mom would make a version of this Asian Chicken Salad when I was growing up and it was always a favorite. Today, I enjoy chicken salads like this as a high-protein lunch option.
This salad in particular is great for meal prep as the chicken and veggies soak up all the garlicky, gingery, peanutty dressing.
It’s great to have in the fridge during busy weeks when the last thing I have time to think about is what I’m eating for lunch!
So whether you’re in a lunch rut and looking for a new salad to have on rotation or are seeking a dish to bring to a gathering, this is for you.
It’s totally customizable so feel free to add in extra veggies or double the portion depending on how many lunches you’re prepping or mouths you’re planning to feed.
Hope you enjoy this family favorite. Enjoy!
Ingredients for High-Protein Asian Chicken Salad
Asian Chicken Salad coming right up! Here’s what you’ll need for this lunchtime staple.
- Cooked Chicken: The beauty of this recipe is that you can use leftover chicken! I’m all about buying a rotisserie chicken at the beginning of the week and eating off of it. You can also use my foolproof recipes for “Lazy Girl” Chicken Breasts or “Lazy Girl” Chicken Thighs.
- Veggies: I used a mix of snap peas, red bell peppers, and scallions, but I’m sure chopped broccoli or mushrooms would be great here too.
- Cilantro: Some freshness comes from this fresh chopped herb. If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or swap it for another herb of choice like parsley.
- Nut Butter: A key ingredient of this Asian-inspired salad is the nutty dressing. I like creamy peanut butter, but you could swap it for almond butter as well.
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Pin It- Rice Vinegar: Mildly sweet, rice vinegar adds a delicate flavor to counterbalance the robust umami-forward ingredients in the dressing.
- Tamari: This gluten-free soy sauce alternative can bring saltiness and tang to the dressing. You could also use soy sauce if you aren’t gluten-free.
- Sesame Oil: I like to use this in dressings as opposed to cooking with it. It can have a powerful taste so a little goes a long way.
- Honey: A bit of sweetness never hurt anyone!
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best here, but canned or dried would work in a pinch too.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of seeds elevates the dish and makes it that much more enjoyable.
How to Make Asian Chicken Salad
Make the dressing ingredients first. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the avocado oil, peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
To a large serving bowl, add the chopped chicken, snap peas, bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro.
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables and top with sesame seeds.
Toss and enjoy!
More High-Protein Chicken Salad Recipes:
- Greek Chicken Salad
- Avocado Corn Chicken Salad
- No-Mayo Waldorf Chicken Salad
- Harvest Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
- Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups
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ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (see Notes)
- (1) 8-ounce bag of snap peas, roughly chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients (avocado oil, peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds). Set aside.
- To a large bowl, add the chopped chicken, snap peas, bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables and top with sesame seeds.
- Toss, serve, and ENJOY!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love this recipe. Easy for lunch prep for those in need of anti inflammatory diet. Dairy free, gluten free, delish chefs kiss
Thank you, Katie! So happy you love this one!