This Crunchy Chicken Salad is a fun mix of crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and crunchy nuts. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for a quick meal or a picnic treat!
You can whip this up in no time! I love adding my favorite dressing to really bring out the flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love a salad that gives a good crunch? 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for a lean and healthy option. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version. Leftover chicken is a great choice too!
Cabbage: Green and red cabbage add crunch and color. If you’re short on one type, you can use all green cabbage. Other options include kale or even shredded Brussels sprouts for a twist.
Peas: Snap peas or snow peas provide a fresh, sweet taste and great crunch. If they’re not available, you could use thinly sliced green beans or even omit them entirely.
Nuts/Seeds: Slivered almonds give a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds work well. Pumpkin seeds can also add a fun texture if you want a different flavor.
Dressing: The dressing uses mayonnaise for creaminess. Greek yogurt is a healthy swap if you want something lighter. Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly option.
How Can I Ensure All Ingredients are Mixed Well?
Mixing the salad properly can be a challenge. To make sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, follow these steps:
- Start with a large mixing bowl to give everything room to move.
- Add the chicken and veggies together, then gently toss before adding the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and use a large spoon to fold the ingredients. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the veggies intact.
Once everything looks coated, taste it! Adjust with extra seasonings or dressing as needed.
How to Make Crunchy Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, trimmed
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crunchy chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s super quick to toss together, and letting it chill will enhance the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, red bell pepper, snap peas, slivered almonds (or sunflower seeds), green onions, and cilantro. Gently toss everything together to mix well. It should look colorful and inviting!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well blended into a smooth dressing.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss all the ingredients together until everything is nicely coated with that yummy dressing. Make sure every bite will be flavorful!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste test! If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add a little extra salt, pepper, or honey. Adjust it to your liking!
5. Chill or Serve:
Serve your crunchy chicken salad immediately for a fresh bite, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together nicely, making each bite even tastier. Enjoy your salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for an easy option, or even grill some fresh chicken breasts for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to shred or chop the chicken before mixing it into the salad.
What If I Don’t Like Cabbage?
No problem! You can substitute the cabbage with other crunchy vegetables like chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some shredded lettuce. Just keep the total amount of vegetables about the same for the best texture!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover crunchy chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to eat it within a day for maximum crunchiness. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately to keep everything fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein. Use vegan mayonnaise or tahini for the dressing, and adjust the flavors to taste. This way, you can still enjoy the crunch and flavor without the animal products!
