Sweet Chili Chicken Salad

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This Sweet Chili Chicken Salad is packed with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors and is ready in 5 minutes, making it the perfect quick meal for busy days!

829 CAL 56g CARBS 41g FAT 65g PROTEIN 4
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This Sweet Chili Chicken Salad has become my go-to for a fresh, healthy meal that takes just 5 minutes to make. The Homemade peanut sauce, which you might recognize from my Edamame Salad, brings a rich, creamy texture with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

With tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a touch of sweet chili, it's a salad that's packed with vibrant Asian flavors. It's perfect for meal prep, as it stays fresh in the fridge for a few days, and the leftovers make for a satisfying lunch. Whether you're looking to put together a quick dinner or a make-ahead meal for the week, this salad is a total winner! It's easy, flavorful, and never fails to impress.

The Salad You'll Want to Eat Every Day

If you could never get yourself to like salad, then you haven't tried this Sweet Chili Chicken Salad! I guarantee it'll quickly become a new favorite, and here's why:

  • Flavor-packed: The sweet chili dressing brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a hint of heat from the ginger and soy sauce. It's addictive!
  • Effortless: With rotisserie chicken and fresh ingredients, this salad is ready in minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week!
  • Texture: The crunchy cabbage, edamame, and fresh cucumbers make every bite feel like a refreshing crunch fest, while the chicken adds the perfect protein boost.
  • Customizable: Top with chopped peanuts, mango, or avocado for added richness and texture. You can also swap rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken or tofu for variety.
  • Meal prep friendly: Make a batch of the salad ahead of time (without dressing) and store it in individual containers for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
  • Fresh and light: This salad is packed with herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil, making it incredibly fresh and aromatic!
  • Optional heat: For those who like it spicy, sliced Fresno peppers or jalapeños bring the perfect kick to this salad without overpowering it.

A colorful arrangement of salad ingredients: romaine lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, diced chicken, carrots, edamame, peanuts, and sauces.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's a brief list of what you'll need to make this recipe. Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list of everything you need:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I use a rotisserie chicken to make things easier, but you can use any cooked chicken, like shredded chicken or chopped Grilled Chicken Breast!
  • Peanut dressing: This is a blend of rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, and ginger. If you are allergic to peanut butter or just don't care for it, you can substitute another nut butter or nut-free butter. You could even try sesame paste for a nutty flavor without the actual nuts.
  • Veggies: I use a blend of edamame (fresh or frozen), romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and Persian cucumbers for tons of nutrients and crunch!
  • Herbs: Cilantro and mint bring a fresh flavor to the salad! You can swap them with parsley if you like or leave them out for a less herbal finish!

Can I make this recipe soy-free or gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use coconut aminos for a soy-free version or tamari for a gluten-free version!

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Salad

This salad comes together in 5 minutes and couldn't be easier to make! Here's how to do it:

Step One: Make the Dressing

Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and ginger. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step Two: Prepare the Salad

Toss together the chopped chicken, edamame, shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, green onions, cilantro, mint, and any other veggies you like.

A bowl of creamy dressing beside a colorful salad with green edamame, purple cabbage, and chopped veggies, ready to be served.

Step Three: Toss with Dressing

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.

Pro tip: If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to keep everything fresh.

Step Four: Serve

Top with any extra toppings you like, such as chopped nuts, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Ideas for Customizing This Sweet Chili Chicken Salad

This salad is a great one for customization. I think Asian-based ingredient salads can just call for so many items and swaps.

  • Protein swap: Swap the chicken for Sesame Beef, Grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin, Sesame Shrimp, or Teriyaki Salmon.
  • Add-ins: You could add in drained water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or those adorable little baby corns for some crunch.
  • Peppers: Red bell peppers would blend nicely with this Sweet Chili Chicken Salad.
  • Lettuce: You can use just about any lettuce or green in this salad, too. Try a spring mix, baby kale, or a pre-made bag of shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, or broccoli.
  • Cabbage: I used shredded red cabbage, but Napa cabbage or another shredded cabbage blend will work!
  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian option, use Grilled Tofu instead of the chicken. You can also double up the edamame for an extra dose of plant-based protein. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll make some Roasted Garlic Edamame or Sesame Soy Edamame for the salad!

A vibrant salad with purple cabbage, chicken, carrots, edamame, cilantro, peanuts, and peanut dressing, garnished with lime.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Keep your salad fresh and learn how to make it ahead of time for meal prep!

Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Make ahead: You can make the salad (without the dressing) up to 2 days ahead. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Leftover ideas: Use leftover salad to make Chicken Lettuce Wraps or Asian Noodle Bowls for an easy lunch or dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe:

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just stir or shake it well before serving, as it may thicken up in the fridge.

 

The salad itself isn't particularly spicy, but you can add jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing if you want to kick up the heat.

 

A vibrant salad featuring purple cabbage, edamame, carrots, chicken, and cilantro, drizzled with peanut sauce.
The Recipe
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Sweet Chili Chicken Salad

829 CAL 56g CARBS 41g FAT 65g PROTEIN 4
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 10 Min
TOTAL TIME: 15 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • Sweet Chili Dressing

  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 Salt and pepper (if needed)
  • Salad

  • 2 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped (I used rotisserie chicken)
  • 2 cups shelled edamame
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup Persian cucumbers, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

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1

Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

2

Assemble the salad with the chicken, edamame, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, green onions, cilantro, mint, and basil. Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Equipment

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Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 3 cups salad with 1/2 cup chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 829
Calories from Fat 367
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 41g
63%
Saturated Fat 6g
31%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g
0%
Cholesterol 118mg
40%
Sodium 1052mg
46%
Total Carbohydrate 56g
17%
Dietary Fiber 18g
63%
Sugars 23g
Protein 65g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

Notes

Chopped peanuts, cashews, or almonds, chopped mango, avocado, sliced fresno or jalapeno peppers
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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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