This Easy Crunchy Chicken Salad is a perfect mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and crunchy nuts. It’s light, refreshing, and super tasty!
I love how quick it is to make! Just toss everything together and you have a yummy meal. Perfect for lunch or a picnic—who doesn’t love a good salad in the sun? ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad. You could easily swap them for rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just cut it into pieces for the same texture.
Cabbage: I love the combination of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch. If you can’t find purple cabbage, you can easily use all green or even add kale. Just make sure to shred it well for easy eating!
Nuts: Sliced almonds add crunch, but feel free to use cashews or peanuts based on your preference or allergies. Toasting them lightly can enhance their flavor if you have the time!
Herbs: Fresh mint and cilantro give the salad a refreshing taste. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip it or replace it with parsley for a milder flavor.
How Do You Cook Chicken Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken breasts perfectly can be tricky, but here are some steps to help you out:
- Start with room temperature chicken; letting it sit out for about 15 minutes helps it cook evenly.
- Season well with salt and pepper—this adds flavor right to the meat.
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high. The right heat will help the chicken brown nicely without burning.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. If it looks golden and shows juices, it’s likely cooked through.
- Always let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
Following these tips should help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Easy Crunchy Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped nuts (such as cashews or peanuts)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare. About 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken, plus another 15 minutes to assemble the salad and make the dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken thinly.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, chopped mint, cilantro (if using), and parsley. This colorful mix will give your salad a refreshing crunch!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is what brings everything together!
4. Assemble the Salad:
Add the sliced, cooked chicken to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Add Crunch:
Just before serving, sprinkle the sliced almonds or your chosen chopped nuts on top to maintain their crunchy texture. This adds a delightful crunch to your salad!
6. Serve:
Divide the salad onto plates or bowls and enjoy it immediately for the best flavor and freshness. It’s a vibrant and delicious meal in no time!
This salad is colorful, packed with fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and tender chicken, making it a delicious and easy meal all in one!
FAQ for Easy Crunchy Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great here. Just chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in with the salad. This makes for an even quicker meal!
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables Listed?
No problem! Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand. Other great options include cucumber, snap peas, or even avocado for creaminess. The important thing is to keep it fresh and crunchy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the nuts separate to maintain their crunch. Enjoy the salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and substitute it with chickpeas or another protein source like tofu or tempeh. You might also want to add more nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition!
