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 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 3 Tbsp olive oil

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the contrast of textures and flavors in a crunchy, tangy salad. This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe hits all the right notes—fresh, crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a ginger-sesame dressing that ties it all together beautifully. It’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want a light but utterly flavorful meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful, fresh salad made of shredded white cabbage as the base layer, topped with thin orange carrot strips, long pieces of yellow tortilla strips, and slices of bright red bell pepper. Scattered on top are chopped green onions and fresh chopped green herbs, with small bits of cooked white chicken mixed in. The salad is sprinkled with black pepper. Two wooden salad servers with white tips rest on the side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, and in the background, there is a clear glass container with a yellow liquid. 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

This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe is more than just a salad—it’s a vibrant, colorful plate bursting with tastes and textures. Every time I make this, I’m reminded why it’s a favorite for busy nights and casual get-togethers alike.

Perfect balance of crunch and tenderness: The fresh napa cabbage and carrots bring the crunch, while shredded chicken adds juicy protein.
Easy to pull together: Using rotisserie chicken makes this lightning fast without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor-packed dressing: The ginger-sesame dressing adds zing and depth without being overpowering.
Customizable and crowd-pleasing: Whether you want it spicier or nut-free, it’s simple to adjust this dish for your taste.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of shredded white cabbage as the base layer, mixed with bright orange carrot strips and thin red bell pepper slices evenly spread throughout. On top are scattered thin strips of light golden fried tortilla, bright green chopped scallions, and fresh chopped cilantro leaves adding a fresh green touch. The textures mix soft cabbage with crunchy vegetables and crispy tortilla strips, creating a vibrant, fresh look. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a wooden spoon and fork white handles on the right side, along with a small white round dish with chopped cilantro in the background and a small wooden bowl with salt and a wooden spoon at the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe plays a role, creating a fresh, refreshing dish that’s never boring. Here’s a quick breakdown of why I love these choices and some tips when shopping.

Flat lay of shredded napa cabbage, cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, grated matchstick carrots, julienned red bell pepper, fresh chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, golden wonton crisps, and fresh peeled minced ginger, all beautifully arranged with a small drizzle of honey glistening on the ginger and vibrant pops of sesame seeds scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Napa cabbage: Its mild flavor and crisp texture make it perfect for salads—keep the leaves firm and fresh for maximum crunch.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for convenience and flavor, but grilled or poached chicken are great too.
Grated or matchstick carrots: They add subtle sweetness and vibrant color—fresh carrots really make a difference.
Red bell pepper: Adds a juicy, crisp element plus a pop of color that makes the salad look as good as it tastes.
Fresh cilantro: The fresh herb gives the salad that authentic Thai-inspired brightness—feel free to sub parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
Green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a little extra crunch—green parts and white parts both work well.
Wonton crisps or chopped peanuts: The secret to the crunch I can’t live without—wonton crisps are lighter, peanuts add richness and nuttiness.
Rice vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that brightens everything in the ginger-sesame dressing.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Gives salty umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Garlic & fresh ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and zest to the dressing.
Honey: Balances the acidity and saltiness with just enough sweetness.
Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way to add that signature nutty aroma.
Olive oil: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds smooth richness.

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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

I love to mix things up depending on what’s in my fridge or what my mood calls for. This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe is super forgiving and perfect for making it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I add sliced cucumber or chopped mango for a refreshing twist—both bring a juicy contrast that works beautifully with the dressing.
Spicing it up: A few dashes of sriracha or red pepper flakes kick the heat up nicely if you like things with a bit of a punch.
Nut-free option: Swap out the wonton crisps and peanuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or crunchy roasted chickpeas for allergy-friendly crunch.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up That Dressing

Start by combining rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, and olive oil in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake it vigorously until the dressing becomes a well-mixed, fragrant emulsion. I usually make more than I need—a jar of this dressing keeps wonderfully in the fridge for days and makes for a quick salad upgrade any time.

Step 2: Build Your Salad Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together shredded napa cabbage, shredded chicken, grated carrots, julienned red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite has a little bit of the deliciousness.

Step 3: Dress and Crunch!

Drizzle your freshly made ginger-sesame dressing over the salad bowl, then toss until every ingredient is coated in that tangy, sweet, and savory goodness. Finish by sprinkling wonton crisps or chopped peanuts on top for that signature crunch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe dozens of times, and these tips have saved me from soggy salads or bland bites. Trust me, these small details will take your salad to the next level.

Use fresh ingredients: Crisp veggies make all the difference—avoid limp or wilted cabbage and carrots.
Don’t overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to keep that satisfying crunch.
Prep salad components in advance: Shredding the cabbage and chicken a day before saves time and amps up flavor as they mingle.
Add crunch last: Add wonton crisps or peanuts right before serving so they don’t lose their crispness.

How to Serve Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with an extra handful of fresh cilantro and some thinly sliced green onions—those little herbaceous pops really brighten the bowl. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty note too.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs amazingly with simple jasmine rice or sticky rice if you want something more filling. For a light dinner, I also love serving it alongside grilled shrimp or spring rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe in individual lettuce cups or crisp endive leaves—makes for fun handheld bites everyone enjoys. You could also pile it high in a colorful large bowl next to a platter of appetizers for a vibrant buffet spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover salad separate from the dressing when storing in the fridge. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container and the dressing in a small jar. This way, you can toss it fresh later without sogginess.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies and dressing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh. However, you can freeze cooked shredded chicken separately to save prep time next round.

Reheating

If you have leftover chicken, feel free to warm it gently before tossing into the salad for a cozy option. The salad itself is best served cold or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other greens instead of napa cabbage?

Absolutely! You can substitute napa cabbage with green cabbage, romaine lettuce, or even kale (massaged to soften). Just keep an eye on the texture to maintain that crunchy factor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have wonton crisps?

Chopped peanuts are a classic alternative, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor. You could also try toasted cashews, crunchy roasted chickpeas, or even tortilla strips as a fun switch-up.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Keep the salad components and dressing stored separately, and mix just before eating to preserve freshness and crunch. It makes a super convenient and healthy lunch option.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The dressing actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Just shake well before using.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that feels fresh and special yet comes together quickly and simply. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites for easy lunches, weeknight dinners, or entertaining friends. Give it a whirl—you’ll be surprised how something so straightforward can be so deeply satisfying.