The Chicken Spring Roll Salad is spring rolls deconstructed: fresh, healthy, tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and bright herbs with a tangy dressing in peanut or hoisin. It’s the perfect meal when one doesn’t want to eat much but still satisfies the hunger.
It was so fresh and flavourful, and I just wanted to try this chicken spring roll salad. This beauty contained so many colorful veggies, rice noodles, tender chicken, crunch peanuts, and fragrant herbs, and then swished together with the dressing made from peanuts. Good food!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped; use rotisserie, grilled, or boiled)
- 2 cups lettuce (romaine or mixed greens, chopped)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber slices (cut into thin rounds or matchsticks)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup bean sprouts (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup cooked rice noodles (optional for a heartier version)
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
- Water (to thin out the dressing)
Instructions:
Prepare the Salad Base:
Combine the lettuce, shredded chicken, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and basil in a large bowl. If you would like you can add rice noodles to the salad.
Prepare the dressing following a prepared recipe:
In a small bowl whisk together the peanut butter and then soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, and sriracha (if using).
Stir in the water gradually: adding 1 tablespoon at a time, until you get your preferred consistency. It should be smooth and pourable.
Assemble the Salad:
Toss with dressing until everything is well coated or serve on the side. Scatter crushed peanuts over the top for added crunch.
Serve and Savor:
Serve immediately, dividing between bowls, garnishing with extra herbs or a squeeze of lime juice if preferred.
Tips:
- The chicken can be substituted with shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian or pescatarian version.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos; ensure rice noodles and all else are gluten-free.
- Meal prep: This is a meal prep in advance. Cutting up all the vegetables separately and placing them in the fridge; when getting ready, I combine everything so the veggies don’t lose freshness and crispiness.
- On the surface, this is a Chicken Spring Roll Salad ultimate way that people can have a refreshing, crisp vegetable, tender chicken, and delicious peanut dressing together. This is truly an amazing meal for lunch or dinner!
Can I use something else, like another source of protein, instead of chicken?
Sure! You can substitute the chicken for shrimp, tofu, beef, or even pork. It’s really easy to just do as you please based on the diet you follow or what you have on hand.
Which lettuce would be a good choice?
Best with romaine lettuce or mixed greens, as they provide a great crunch. Alternatively, you can use any leafy green like spinach or butter lettuce.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s better to keep the ingredients separate for crispness. Put all the salad components, chicken, and dressing in separate containers, and toss all the ingredients together just before serving.
How do I cook the chicken for this salad?
Grill, poach, or rotisserie. Pan-sear it or roast it with herbs and spices for depth of flavor: salt, pepper, garlic, etc.
Can the dressing be prepared ahead?
Yes, you can make the peanut dressing 3-4 days ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and give it a good stir before using it. If too thick, thin it out with a little water or lime juice.
Conclusion:
This chicken spring roll salad is a fabulous balance of bright flavor and texture all melding together with the freshness of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and the rich pungency of the tangy dipping sauce. A great light but satisfying meal for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner or even as a shareable appetizer.
I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t excited about serving this salad; it’s perfect for those refreshing meals that are best served on a warm day. This salad will surely impress and cater for a creative twist from the old classic in a spring roll. Enjoy the flavors of your favorite traditional dish in a deliciously simple deconstructed way!