Spicy Asian Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
This vibrant and refreshing Spicy Asian Chicken Salad is a culinary delight that tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Inspired by Bobby Flay's famous recipe, this salad features tender shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with crisp napa cabbage and romaine lettuce, colorful shredded carrots, and crunchy snow peas for added freshness. The star of this dish is the creamy red chile peanut dressing, which combines smooth peanut butter, zesty ginger, and a kick of chipotle for a spicy twist that elevates the salad. Topped with roasted peanuts, fresh mint, and cilantro, this salad is not just a meal but an experience, making it a great option for gatherings or healthy weeknight dinners. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that promises to become a crowd-pleaser in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup
Smooth Peanut Butter
2 tablespoons
Chopped Fresh Ginger
1 tablespoon
Chipotle Peppers, Puree
2 teaspoons
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon
Honey
1 tablespoon
Toasted Sesame Oil
2 teaspoons
Canola Oil
1/2 cup
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Napa Cabbage, Shredded
1/2 head
Romaine Lettuce, Shredded
1/2 head
Carrots, Shredded
2
Snow Peas, Julienned
1/4 lb
Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Coarsely Chopped
1/4 cup
Green Onion, Thinly Sliced
1/4 cup
Shredded Rotisserie Cooked Chicken
2 cups
Chopped Roasted Peanuts
1/2 cup
Fresh Mint Leaves, Chopped
1/4 cup
Chili Oil
optional
Lime, Halved for Garnish
1 (grilled)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, smooth peanut butter, chopped fresh ginger, chipotle pepper puree, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and canola oil until creamy and well combined.
2
Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded napa cabbage, shredded romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, julienned snow peas, chopped fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
4
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and generously top it with the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped roasted peanuts, and fresh mint leaves.
6
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with chili oil if desired.
7
Garnish the salad with halved grilled lime for a citrusy touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Asian Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, and snow peas, all tossed in a spicy peanut-based dressing.
Who inspired this specific salad recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the famous Asian chicken salad created by chef Bobby Flay.
What types of greens are used in the salad base?
The salad base consists of equal parts shredded napa cabbage and shredded romaine lettuce.
What ingredients are in the creamy peanut dressing?
The dressing includes rice wine vinegar, smooth peanut butter, chopped fresh ginger, chipotle pepper puree, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and canola oil.
How do you prepare the dressing?
Whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, chipotle puree, soy sauce, honey, and oils in a medium bowl until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
What gives the salad its spicy kick?
The heat comes from chipotle pepper puree in the dressing and an optional drizzle of chili oil on top.
Is this Spicy Asian Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as gluten-free, though you should ensure your soy sauce is a gluten-free variety like tamari.
Which vegetables add crunch to the salad?
Shredded carrots, julienned snow peas, and crisp napa cabbage provide the main crunchy textures.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of shredded rotisserie cooked chicken, making it very convenient.
What nuts are recommended for the topping?
The recipe suggests using a half cup of chopped roasted peanuts for added flavor and crunch.
What fresh herbs are used in the salad?
The salad features fresh cilantro leaves and fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal finish.
How should the snow peas be prepared?
The snow peas should be julienned, which means cut into long, thin strips.
What is the purpose of the grilled lime garnish?
The grilled lime halves add a smoky, citrusy touch that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Can I add extra heat to this salad?
Yes, for an extra layer of flavor and heat, you can drizzle the finished salad with chili oil.
How is the salad assembled?
Toss the greens and vegetables first, drizzle with dressing, and then top with the chicken, peanuts, and mint leaves on a serving platter.
What kind of ginger is required?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger for the most vibrant flavor.
Is there a sweetener in the peanut dressing?
Yes, one tablespoon of honey is used to balance the acidity and spice in the dressing.
What oils are used in this recipe?
The dressing uses a combination of toasted sesame oil for flavor and canola oil as the main base.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
While smooth peanut butter is recommended for a creamy texture, crunchy can be used if you prefer more texture in your dressing.
How much chicken do I need to prepare?
You will need approximately 2 cups of shredded chicken for this salad.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Rice wine vinegar is the preferred choice for its mild acidity and traditional Asian flavor profile.
How should the green onions be sliced?
The green onions should be thinly sliced to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Is this salad suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a great option for gatherings and is a promised crowd-pleaser.
Should I season the dressing with salt and pepper?
Yes, after whisking the dressing ingredients, you should season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the final texture of the peanut dressing?
The dressing should be whisked until it is completely creamy and the oils are fully emulsified.
Can I substitute the napa cabbage?
While napa cabbage provides a unique texture, you could use regular green cabbage or additional romaine if necessary.
Is this considered a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal and features high-protein chicken alongside various fresh vegetables.
How many total ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 20 individual ingredients used to create the salad and dressing components.
When should I add the peanuts and mint?
Peanuts and mint are added as toppings once the salad is transferred to a serving platter, after the initial tossing.
What color is the peanut dressing?
The dressing is described as a creamy red chile peanut dressing, likely taking a reddish hue from the chipotle pepper puree.