Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad
🥗 Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad (Easy Version)
This Thai-inspired chicken salad is full of color, crunch, and bold flavors. It’s made with fresh cabbage, sweet mango, juicy chicken, and creamy avocado. Everything is tossed in a delicious peanut and sesame dressing that’s sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. On top, crispy wonton strips and roasted peanuts give it extra crunch. It’s a no-cook, fresh meal that’s perfect for warm days—and it’s sure to impress guests or your family.
🥜 Ingredients
For the Peanut Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter (creamy)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp pickled ginger (+ a bit of juice to thin)
- 1 small red chili or Fresno pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like sriracha – optional)
- 2 tsp honey
- Water (as needed to thin)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ¼ cup Thai basil or regular basil, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 avocado, sliced
Optional: Crispy Wontons
- 6–8 wonton or egg roll wrappers, thinly sliced
- Oil for frying
- Sea salt
👩🍳 How to Make It
- Make the Dressing
Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add a little water or ginger juice if it’s too thick. - Fry the Wontons (Optional)
Heat oil in a pan. Add wonton strips and fry until golden and crispy (about 1–2 minutes). Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. - Assemble the Salad
In a big bowl, mix cabbage, chicken, carrots, mango, basil, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts. - Add the Dressing
Pour in half the dressing and toss everything well. Add more dressing if needed. - Top and Serve
Add crispy wontons, avocado, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime on top. Serve immediately.
Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad
💪 Nutrition Info (Per Serving — Makes 6 Servings)
- Calories: 542
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fat: 38g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad
1. It’s Full of Flavor
This salad is not boring! It’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bowl.
2. Amazing Texture
You get crunch from cabbage and peanuts, softness from mango and avocado, and crispiness from fried wontons.
3. The Dressing is Everything
The homemade peanut dressing is creamy, a little sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. It brings all the ingredients together.
4. Chicken Makes It a Meal
Shredded chicken adds protein and makes the salad filling. You can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have.
5. Fresh Herbs Add Brightness
Thai basil, cilantro, and green onion give the salad a fresh and zesty flavor. They’re not just for decoration—they really boost the taste!
🍽️ Easy to Prep Ahead
This salad is great for meal prep:
- Chop the veggies ahead of time
- Make the dressing up to a week early
- Fry the wonton strips and store them in an airtight container
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party!
🛠️ Make It Your Own
This recipe is very flexible:
- No mango? Try pineapple or apple
- Use red cabbage or bagged slaw mix
- Peanut allergy? Use almond or sunflower butter
- Want it spicier? Add more chili or hot sauce
🥗 Healthy and Delicious
This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients:
- Cabbage and carrots = fiber and vitamins
- Mango = vitamin A and antioxidants
- Avocado = healthy fats
- Chicken and peanuts = protein
It’s good for your body and your taste buds!
✅ Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh and crisp veggies
- Blend the dressing until smooth and creamy
- Thin the dressing with water or ginger juice if too thick
- Add herbs and toppings right before serving
- Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor