Zesty Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad Recipe For Lunch Joy

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that burst with vibrant crunch thai crunch chicken salad flavors and textures.

This zesty salad combines crisp vegetables with tender, marinated chicken in a delightful Asian-inspired ensemble.

Bright herbs and a tangy dressing dance across each colorful bite.

Crunchy cabbage and carrots provide a satisfying contrast to the succulent chicken pieces.

The recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that awaken your taste buds.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through Thailand’s incredible culinary landscape.

Why Thai Crunch Chicken Salad Is a Hit

• Craft Quick Flavor Explosion: Bursting with vibrant Thai-inspired tastes, this salad combines crunchy textures and zesty ingredients for a mouthwatering meal that wakes up your taste buds.
• Master Versatile Meal Prep: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or potlucks, this recipe allows easy customization with protein swaps and can be prepped ahead for busy schedules.
• Enjoy Healthy Indulgence: Packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and nutritious herbs, the salad delivers a balanced dish that feels like a treat without guilt.
• Unleash Culinary Creativity: Simple techniques like crispy wonton strips and homemade dressing elevate this dish from ordinary to restaurant-quality, making home cooking exciting and fun.

Ingredients List for Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

• Cabbage: A crunchy foundation that provides a fresh and crisp texture to the salad.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that serves as the main component of the dish.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, crisp element to the salad.
• Mango: Brings a tropical sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.

• Herbs, Green Onions: Provide a fresh, zesty flavor and aromatic garnish.

• Peanuts, Fried Wontons: Give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a subtle nutty taste and visual appeal.

• Dressing Base Ingredients (not specified in instructions): Likely includes oil, vinegar, or other binding components.

• Lime: Offers a bright, citrusy finish to enhance the overall flavor.
• Flaky Salt: Provides a final seasoning touch to elevate the dish's taste.

• Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Used for frying wontons and adding richness to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Thai Crunch Chicken Salad Prep

Step 1: Blend Tangy Dressing

• Fresh cilantro
• Garlic cloves
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce

Pulse everything together until smooth, and add water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 2: Toss Vibrant Salad Base

• Shredded green cabbage
• Cooked shredded chicken
• Julienned carrots
• Chopped fresh herbs
• Diced ripe mango
• Crushed roasted peanuts

Pour half the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Create Crispy Wonton Strips

Heat avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Slice wonton wrappers into thin strips and fry until golden and crunchy, about 1-2 minutes.

Transfer to paper towels and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

• Crispy wonton strips
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips to Perfect Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

• Slice wontons super thin for maximum crunchiness, ensuring they turn golden and crisp quickly without burning.
• Adjust liquid in the dressing by adding water gradually to reach your preferred thickness and flavor intensity.
• Chop herbs like cilantro and mint right before mixing to maintain vibrant flavors and prevent wilting.
• Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option that keeps the salad's authentic Thai-inspired taste.
• Serve salad slightly chilled with room temperature crispy wontons to create a delightful temperature contrast.

Flavor Variations for Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

• Vegan Power Salad: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh, swap honey in dressing with maple syrup, use plant-based wonton strips for crunch.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon, keep original dressing and toppings for a protein-packed ocean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Crunch Bowl: Skip wontons, use jicama or cucumber strips instead of cabbage, add extra nuts for texture and reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice paper strips instead of wheat wontons, ensure dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari for safe consumption.

How to Serve Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

• Tropical Picnic Platter: Serve on a large wooden board with extra lime wedges and scattered fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that brings summer vibes to the table.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer salad over quinoa or brown rice to create a hearty meal with added nutrients and texture, perfect for post-workout refueling.
• Wrap Adventure: Stuff the salad mixture into butter lettuce leaves or rice paper wraps for a fun, portable lunch option that's lighter than traditional sandwiches.
• Cocktail Party Bites: Transform into small appetizer portions using mini wonton cups, topping each with a small scoop of salad for an elegant party starter.

Storage Tips for Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Store crispy wontons in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness. Keep chicken, vegetables, and herbs in different compartments.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds. Add fresh crispy wontons and cold vegetables just before serving to preserve texture.
• Drizzle reserved dressing and toss salad components before serving to revive flavors and moistness.

FAQs

• Are the wontons necessary for this salad?

Wontons add a delightful crunch and texture, but they’re optional. You can skip them if you prefer a lighter version or don’t have time to make them.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or grilled salmon work great as alternative protein options in this Thai-inspired salad.

• How spicy is this salad?

The heat level depends on your dressing ingredients. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili or sriracha in the dressing.

• Is this salad gluten-free?

Not entirely. The wontons contain gluten, but you can make it gluten-free by using rice paper chips or omitting the wontons and using gluten-free alternatives.

Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chopped Thai Crunch Chicken Salad delivers a bold fusion of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty Thai-inspired dressing. Crunchy textures and tangy flavors dance together, offering you a refreshing culinary journey through Southeast Asian cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 1/2 cups shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped or thinly sliced mango
• 1 jalapeño or Fresno pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 cup chopped cilantro/basil
• 1/3 cup chopped green onions

Dressing and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup tamari/soy sauce
• 1/3 cup toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger
• 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/3 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• crispy wontons (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Craft the vibrant dressing by blending all components in a food processor, pulsing until smooth and adjusting consistency with water as needed.
2. Assemble the salad foundation by layering shredded cabbage, tender chicken, julienned carrots, fragrant herbs, juicy mango chunks, and crunchy peanuts in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle approximately half the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, gently tossing to ensure every element is evenly coated and infused with flavor.
4. Create crispy wontons by heating avocado or olive oil in a skillet at medium-high temperature (around 350°F), carefully frying thinly sliced wonton strips for 1-2 minutes until achieving a deep golden hue.
5. Remove wonton strips using a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towels to drain excess oil, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt for enhanced texture.
6. Garnish the dressed salad with the freshly fried wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds, and thinly sliced green onions for added crunch and visual appeal.
7. Finish the dish with a zesty lime squeeze, enhancing the salad’s bright and refreshing profile, then serve immediately to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Customize dressing thickness by gradually adding water until desired consistency is reached, ensuring smooth and balanced flavor profile.
• For gluten-free version, replace wonton strips with rice paper chips or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain crunch and texture.
• Prepare chicken, chop vegetables, and make dressing separately, storing components in airtight containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Protein flexibility allows substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for varied dietary preferences and convenient meal options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 507 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg