Name: Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded napa cabbage; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended); 2 cups grated or matchstick carrots; 1 red bell pepper, julienned; 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup wonton crisps or chopped peanuts; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 3 tablespoons olive oil

There's something so satisfying about the perfect crunch meeting fresh, vibrant flavors in a salad. This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe brings together crisp napa cabbage, tender shredded chicken, and a zingy ginger-sesame dressing that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a colorful, healthy meal that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

The dish is a colorful salad served in a white oval bowl filled with several layers of food. The base layer has shredded light green cabbage mixed with thin strips of bright orange carrot. On top of this, there are pieces of pale white cooked chicken and thin slices of crispy beige chips or crackers. Scattered over the salad are small rounds of light green spring onions and chopped fresh green herbs like parsley or cilantro. There are also vibrant red slices of bell pepper adding contrast. The whole dish is topped with a sprinkle of black pepper and herbs, giving it a fresh and seasoned look. Two wooden utensils with white handles rest inside the bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this salad because it’s not just healthy—it’s packed with texture and flavor. Every bite has that satisfying crunch balanced by juicy chicken and a bright, tangy dressing that keeps things light and fresh.

Vibrant and Fresh: The combination of napa cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper gives a colorful, crisp bite that feels like a party in your mouth.
Quick and Easy: Using rotisserie chicken is my secret to making this a speedy weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable Crunch: Whether you prefer wonton crisps or peanuts, this salad lets you add your favorite crunch.
Versatile Dressing: The ginger-sesame dressing is so tasty you’ll want to hang onto the leftovers for other meals.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad consisting of shredded white cabbage as the base layer, topped with thin orange carrot sticks and bright red bell pepper slices scattered throughout. Light yellow thin strips, possibly fried wonton or crispy noodles, are mixed in with the vegetables. The salad is garnished generously with chopped green onions and fresh green cilantro leaves, adding vibrant green touches on top. Two wooden salad utensils with white handles rest inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a light wooden board, with a small white plate of chopped cilantro in the top right corner and a wooden spoon with coarse salt visible toward the top left. The setting rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe is really in the balance of fresh, crisp veggies, tender chicken, and that punchy dressing. I always recommend shopping for the freshest produce you can find, especially the napa cabbage and herbs, to get the maximum flavor and crunch.

Flat lay of shredded napa cabbage, cooked shredded chicken, grated bright orange carrots, julienned red bell pepper, fresh green cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, crunchy golden wonton crisps, and minced fresh ginger, all beautifully arranged with small piles of garlic cloves and a drizzle of honey nearby, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Napa Cabbage: It has a milder crunch than regular cabbage and just the right tenderness to soak up the dressing.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here because it’s already juicy and flavorful, saving you time.
Carrots: I love using matchstick or grated carrots for that perfect sweet crunch.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds gorgeous color and a bit of natural sweetness.
Fresh Cilantro: Brings that authentic Thai herbal note—don’t skip it unless you’re not a fan.
Green Onions: For a mild sharpness that lifts the salad.
Wonton Crisps or Peanuts: These add the irresistible crispy texture contrast that makes the salad so addictive.
Rice Vinegar: Provides the perfect tang to brighten the dressing.
Soy Sauce (reduced sodium): Adds umami without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Both are key to giving the dressing its bold, fragrant kick.
Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Toasted Sesame Oil: That nutty aroma takes the dressing over the top—just a little goes a long way.
Olive Oil: Smooths the dressing and helps it coat the salad evenly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Everyone likes to tweak recipes to suit their tastes, and this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe is no exception. I often swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, especially when I want a vegetarian or pescatarian version. Feel free to play around with your favorite crunchy toppings too.

Variation: One time I added sliced mango for a sweet twist—it was a total hit and added a tropical flair.
Dietary Modifications: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free or swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan touch.
Texture Changes: Swap wonton crisps for roasted cashews if you want a richer crunch.
Heat Factor: If you like spicy, sprinkle some crushed red pepper or add diced fresh chili to the dressing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Ginger-Sesame Dressing

I like to start by shaking together the dressing ingredients in a small jar—rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and olive oil. It’s so simple but smells incredible. You can make this in advance and even keep extra in the fridge for a quick salad boost during the week.

Step 2: Prep and Toss the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss shredded napa cabbage, shredded chicken, grated carrots, julienned red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Mixing everything first ensures the salad is evenly distributed before the dressing goes on.

Step 3: Dress and Garnish

Drizzle the ginger-sesame dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly so every bite gets coated. Sprinkle on the wonton crisps or chopped peanuts right before serving for that satisfying crunch.

Top Tip

From personal experience, a few little tricks can elevate this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe from good to unforgettable. Don’t be shy about balancing the dressing flavors to your taste, and add the crunchy toppings last to stay crisp.

Dressing Balance: If your dressing tastes too sharp, a little extra honey will mellow it perfectly without losing brightness.
Shred Chicken Properly: I find shredding rotisserie chicken by hand instead of chopping keeps the texture more delicate and integrates better with the salad.
Freshness Matters: Use napa cabbage on the fresher side to get crisp stalks with soft leaves—this adds great variety in texture.
Add Crunch Last Minute: Adding wonton crisps or peanuts right before serving prevents sogginess and keeps the salad lively.

How to Serve Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with extra fresh cilantro and a few extra crushed peanuts over the top. Sometimes a squeeze of lime juice adds a wonderfully fresh burst. Those little touches take the salad from simply tasty to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a more filling meal or spring rolls if you want to keep it light. On warmer days, I serve it alongside grilled shrimp skewers—it’s such a delicious balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, I’ve served this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or in lettuce cups. It makes a stunning appetizer or light lunch presentation that everyone asks about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the salad from getting soggy, I store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before eating.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh veggies lose their crunch, so I recommend making it fresh when you can. However, the dressing freezes fine if you want to prepare it in bulk.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, I usually don’t reheat it. If you want warm chicken, you can gently warm the shredded chicken separately and add it to the chilled salad just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great in this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe as long as it’s cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces. Just make sure it’s not too dry to keep the salad moist and delicious.

How do I keep the wonton crisps from getting soggy?

To keep wonton crisps nice and crunchy, add them just before serving. If you want to prep the salad ahead, store the crisps separately and toss them in at the last moment.

Is this salad spicy?

This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it accessible to most palates. You can easily add spice with sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Can I make the dressing without sesame oil?

You can omit toasted sesame oil, but keep in mind it adds a signature nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, try a small drizzle of peanut oil or increase the olive oil slightly for smoothness.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—a bright, refreshing meal that’s both easy and impressive. I love sharing it with friends who often ask for seconds. Give it a try and make it your own—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so delicious and satisfying.