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; 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

Bright, fresh, and packed with texture, this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that just wakes up your taste buds. It’s got that irresistible combo of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a zingy ginger-sesame dressing that keeps me coming back for more every time.

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 a wonderful balance of fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors that make each bite exciting. Whenever I need a vibrant meal, this salad delivers without fuss or complicated steps, and I know it will brighten your lunch or dinner too.

Flavor-packed dressing: The ginger-sesame vinaigrette has a perfect tangy-sweet kick that ties the whole salad together beautifully.
Textural delight: The crisp napa cabbage, fresh bell peppers, and the crunchy wonton crisps make every forkful satisfying.
Super quick to assemble: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time but keeps the salad hearty and protein-rich.
Flexible and forgiving: You can swap ingredients easily to fit your taste or pantry staples without losing the essence of the dish.

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

Every ingredient in this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe adds something unique—whether it's crunch, brightness, or rich umami. The idea is to layer fresh, vibrant veggies with juicy chicken and finish with a mouthwatering dressing that brings all the flavors to life.

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 are perfect as the salad’s base—so refreshing and not overpowering.
Cooked shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is my shortcut for tender, juicy protein that’s already cooked and seasoned just right.
Carrots: Grated or matchstick-cut, they add sweetness and a great snap that complements the cabbage.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and crunch, plus a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential here—it gives the salad that unmistakable Thai flair and brightness.
Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor with a bit of bite, which contrasts nicely with the salad's sweetness.
Wonton crisps or chopped peanuts: This is the crunchy element that makes the salad so much fun to eat—don’t skip it!
For the Ginger-Sesame Dressing: Rice vinegar and soy sauce bring tang and saltiness; honey balances with sweetness; fresh ginger and garlic add zest; toasted sesame oil and olive oil give richness and depth.

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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 making this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe my own by swapping in different crunchy toppings or adding extra heat. The recipe is forgiving—so feel free to play around with herbs and veggies depending on what’s fresh or what you’re craving.

Variation: Sometimes I add sliced cucumbers or mint leaves for a cool twist that adds freshness and complexity. You might enjoy that touch too!
Make it vegan: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas and use a tamari sauce instead of soy for a plant-based version that still hits all the flavor notes.
Adjust the dressing: If you like it zestier, add more ginger or a splash of fresh lime juice—just like I do when I want an extra bright punch.

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

Step 1: Make the ginger-sesame dressing

I start by whisking together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and olive oil in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shaking it well helps blend the flavors perfectly. I like making this first because it marinates the salad just right when tossed later. Plus, any leftover dressing keeps nicely in the fridge for a week—perfect for quick meals.

Step 2: Toss together the salad ingredients

Next, I grab a large bowl and combine shredded napa cabbage, shredded chicken, grated carrots, julienned red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and green onions. I make sure everything is evenly mixed so every bite has a bit of everything. This is where your knife skills shine—cut the veggies thin and uniform for the best texture.

Step 3: Dress the salad and add crunch

Pour the dressing over the salad, then toss gently but thoroughly until every leaf and shred is coated. This part is fun—you’ll notice the colors brighten and the aromas fill your kitchen. Finally, just before serving, sprinkle wonton crisps or chopped peanuts on top. The contrast of crunch against tender chicken and crisp veggies is what makes this salad a standout.

Top Tip

After making this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few things that really help nail the balance of flavors and keep the salad fresh:

Prep veggies finely: Thin slicing makes a huge difference in texture and ensures the dressing clings to everything beautifully.
Use fresh ginger and garlic: Powdered versions just don’t deliver the same zing—trust me, the fresh stuff brings your dressing to life.
Add the crunchy topping last: That way, it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy before you dig in.
Don’t overdress: Too much dressing can weigh down the delicate cabbage, so start with less and add more if needed.

How to Serve Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and those wonton crisps for a little extra popcorn-like crunch. A wedge of lime on the side is just the final touch—it lets everyone add a bit of bright citrus to their taste.

Side Dishes

For a fuller meal, I like pairing this salad with simple jasmine rice or some grilled sticky rice on the side. It also goes surprisingly well with spring rolls or a light soup if you want a little more variety on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Throw a party? I love serving this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe in small, individual lettuce cups or inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a fresh, eye-catching presentation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes it really easy to grab and eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge but keep the crunchy toppings separate until just before serving again. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days because the cabbage starts to soften, but the flavors stay delicious.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing this salad isn't great since the fresh veggies lose their crunch and the dressing can separate. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating it. However, if you want warm chicken, you can heat that separately and then toss it last-minute with the dressing and veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad without chicken?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or extra crunchy nuts. You can marinate tofu in a little soy sauce for extra flavor before adding it to the salad.

How long does the dressing keep?

The ginger-sesame dressing keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in a sealed container or jar. Just give it a good shake before using, as the oils might separate over time.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

You can prep the veggies and dressing a day in advance, but I recommend tossing the salad and adding the crunchy toppings right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What’s the best substitute for wonton crisps?

If you can’t find wonton crisps, chopped roasted peanuts or even fried shallots work wonderfully to add crunch and a complementary flavor to this salad.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Recipe is truly one of those hits that feels homemade but fresh enough to enjoy any day of the week. It’s simple, quick, and bursting with so many layers of texture and flavor that I almost always find myself doubling the recipe when I make it. Try it next time you want a bright, healthy meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make—you won’t regret it!