Description
This Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad is a vibrant, quick-to-make dish packed with shredded cooked chicken, fresh mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty spicy dressing. Topped with roasted peanuts for an extra crunch, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Spicy Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the spicy dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens, shredded cooked chicken breasts, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced cucumber, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Add the dressing to the salad: Pour the prepared spicy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated but still crisp.
- Add the crunchy topping: Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the salad for added texture and crunchiness.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad fresh to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables and the vibrant flavors of the spicy dressing and crunchy peanuts.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts from a previous meal or poach fresh chicken quickly to save time.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in the dressing to suit your spice preference.
- For a nut-free version, omit the peanuts or substitute with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- To make it a more substantial meal, add cooked quinoa or brown rice.
- Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
