Name: Easy Asian Chopped Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 medium cooked chicken breasts, chopped; 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups chopped red cabbage; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup mandarin oranges; 1/3 cup scallions, sliced (plus more for garnish); 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup cashews (plus more for garnish); 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons coconut aminos; 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional, omit for Whole30); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground garlic or 1-2 garlic cloves minced

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 47 reviews

If you have been searching for a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and nourishes your body, then this Easy Asian Chopped Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. It brilliantly combines crisp cabbage, tender chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, and crunchy cashews, all tossed in a luscious, creamy peanut dressing that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes. This salad is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side dish that will enchant your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl is filled with seven distinct layers arranged side by side: shredded green cabbage with light yellow hints on the bottom left, followed by thinly sliced purple cabbage with a creamy light brown dressing drizzled on it, bright orange shredded carrots next to it, a pile of green edamame beans above the carrots, chopped light brown nuts in the center, a small mound of bright orange mandarin slices beneath the nuts, and diced red bell peppers with small pieces of cooked light beige chicken on the bottom right. Two wooden spoons with cream-colored handles rest inside the bowl on the left and right sides. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small wooden bowls containing green edamame beans, orange mandarin slices, and chopped nuts around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, bringing unique textures, colors, and flavors that harmonize beautifully. From the hearty cooked chicken to the refreshing crunch of red bell pepper and cabbage, every element is simple but impactful, ensuring this salad stands out and satisfies.

3 medium cooked chicken breast: Adds lean protein and a juicy bite that makes the salad filling.
4 cups shredded cabbage: Offers a crunchy, refreshing base with subtle sweetness.
2 cups chopped red cabbage: Provides vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor.
1/2 cup shredded carrots: Brings bright color and natural sweetness.
1/2 cup mandarin oranges: Adds juicy bursts of citrus that brighten the dish.
1/3 cup scallions: Delivers a mild oniony kick and fresh green notes.
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper: Introduces sweet, crisp texture and vivid color.
1/2 cup cashews: Adds a satisfying crunch and buttery richness.
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Forms the rich, dreamy base of the dressing.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
3 tablespoons coconut aminos: Imparts a savory, umami depth as a soy sauce alternative.
1-2 tablespoons honey (optional): Provides natural sweetness; omit if following Whole30 or sugar-free diets.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds bright acidity and freshness.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers mild warmth and spiciness.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers a nutty fragrance that complements the peanut butter.
1/2 teaspoon ground garlic or 1-2 minced garlic cloves: Adds pungent, savory depth.

How to Make Easy Asian Chopped Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe

A clear container filled with a thick, frothy, light brown mixture with tiny and small bubbles on the surface sits at the center on a white marbled background. To the left is a small brown bowl containing golden honey with a honey dipper resting inside it, showing the wooden spiral dipped in honey. On the right side, there are three garlic cloves, one whole bulb and two peeled cloves arranged casually. The overall setting is bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Grill and Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts lightly and grilling them on the stovetop or outdoor grill for about 7 minutes per side until perfectly cooked through. Using olive or avocado oil helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. After grilling, dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes that will blend seamlessly into the salad.

Step 2: Build Your Salad Base

Grab your largest salad bowl and toss in the shredded cabbage as the foundation. This ensures you get a refreshing crunch in every bite. Next, group together the chopped red cabbage, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, and scallions around the edges, leaving the center for the diced chicken. This layering not only looks inviting but ensures every element distributes evenly as you toss.

Step 3: Add the Mandarins and Cashews

Sprinkle mandarin orange segments and cashews over the salad to introduce bursts of citrus sweetness and a delightful crunch. These ingredients transform the salad into an exciting medley of textures and flavors that keeps every forkful interesting and satisfying.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Dressing

All the magic happens in the dressing. In a blender, combine creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, honey if using, lemon juice, ground ginger, sesame oil, and garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy, then thin with a teaspoon of water if it’s too thick. This dressing is rich and flavorful, tying the whole salad together.

Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad

Drizzle your luscious dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly until every ingredient is coated with that irresistible peanut goodness. Mixing it well ensures the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a consistently tasty bite every time.

A Final Tip for Serving

If you prefer, set the ingredients out “buffet-style” and let everyone customize their own salad bowls. This adds a fun, interactive element to your meal where each person can tailor flavors and portions exactly to their liking.

How to Serve Easy Asian Chopped Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle extra chopped scallions and cashews on top just before serving to add a fresh burst of color and a satisfying crunch that invites eager bites.

Side Dishes

This salad shines brightly as a stand-alone meal but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, grilled shrimp, or vegetable spring rolls for a well-rounded Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the salad in individual mason jars for grab-and-go lunches, or arrange the ingredients by color in a large platter before drizzling the dressing, letting guests dive in family-style. The vibrant colors and creamy dressing make it a real showstopper on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After tossing, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days when the cabbage still holds its crispness and the dressing stays fresh and creamy.

Freezing

This salad is not suited for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, which can separate and lose their texture. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this salad is designed to be served cold and crisp, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter for the dressing?

Yes! While peanut butter offers a classic flavor for this recipe, almond butter or cashew butter can be great alternatives if you want to mix things up or accommodate allergies. Just choose creamy, unsweetened varieties for the best results.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before eating to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

What if I don’t have coconut aminos?

Regular soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos can substitute for coconut aminos. Each adds a slightly different flavor profile, but they all provide the umami depth essential to the dressing.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding tofu or tempeh for protein. Also, use a plant-based peanut butter and ensure your chosen condiments align with vegan preferences.

How can I make the dressing less thick?

If the dressing feels too dense, thin it by blending in water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This helps it coat the salad evenly without overpowering the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Asian Chopped Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for its vibrant flavors, colorful presentation, and effortless preparation. It’s a salad that feels special yet comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for any occasion. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every crunch, burst of citrus, and silky bite of that dressing as much as I do!