This Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to fresh, flavorful salads that excite your taste buds while keeping things light and satisfying. Imagine tender, juicy chicken tossed with crisp, colorful vegetables all brought together by a creamy, spicy-sweet dressing that hits just the right balance of heat and tang. It’s the perfect lunch or dinner for those who crave bold flavors and crunchy textures in every bite. Trust me, this is not your average salad — it’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is a breeze, and the ingredients are simple but absolutely essential for creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, from the tender chicken to the crunchy peanuts and the zingy dressing that ties everything together.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens or chopped romaine: These add freshness, a crisp bite, and a vibrant green color to brighten the salad.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: For a sweet crunch and a pop of bright orange hue.
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced: Adds a lovely crunchy texture and deep purple color that makes the salad visually stunning.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced: Provides coolness and juicy contrast that balances the spicy dressing.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced: A mild onion flavor that adds a subtle sharpness without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional): A nutty crunch that brings texture and a delightful contrast to soft chicken.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkled on top for a delicate crunch and a hint of toasty flavor.
For the bang bang dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that carries all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle heat with every bite.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Brings a smoky, spicy kick that you can turn up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spice with natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity and tang for brightness.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice: Offers fresh citrus notes to lighten the dressing.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Bang Bang Dressing
Begin by combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Be sure to taste it—you want a lively balance between spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Adjust the sriracha if you like it hotter or add a bit more honey if you prefer it milder. Set this vibrant dressing aside as it’s going to be the magic that brings the entire salad to life.
Step 2: Layer the Salad Ingredients
Grab a large bowl or serving platter and start layering your salad greens or romaine. Next, add the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, refreshing cucumber, and green onions. Finally, pile on your tender, cooked chicken. This layering ensures each bite has a harmonious mix of crunchy veggies and juicy protein—making every forkful a delightful adventure.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing and Garnish
Drizzle the bang bang dressing generously over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly without bruising the greens. The creamy, spicy dressing will cling beautifully to the chicken and vegetables, tying all the flavors together. For a final flourish, sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top. These add an irresistible crunch and nuttiness that elevates the dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds already included, you can sprinkle some fresh cilantro or chopped mint for a burst of herbal freshness that complements the spicy dressing. Thinly sliced red chili or extra green onions also make fantastic colorful garnishes that boost both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides such as jasmine rice or crunchy spring rolls if you want to complement its Asian-inspired flavors. A chilled cucumber salad or edamame pods also make refreshing sides that keep the meal balanced and satisfying without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe as a filling for crisp lettuce wraps for a fun finger-food twist. You can also stack it neatly in a glass jar or bowl for a beautiful layered presentation perfect for picnics or packed lunches. If you’re feeling fancy, arrange the salad as a composed plate with neat piles of each ingredient under a drizzle of dressing, making it visually impressive for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. If the salad is tossed with the dressing, the greens might become soggy, so it’s best to keep them apart until you’re ready to eat. Leftover chicken and chopped veggies can keep well for up to two days in the fridge.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the texture of fresh vegetables and the creaminess of the dressing may deteriorate on thawing. However, you can freeze cooked chicken separately if you plan to use it later for salads or wraps.
Reheating
The Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, gently warm the chicken before assembling, but avoid reheating the fully dressed salad to prevent wilted greens and altered flavors. For leftovers, simply toss the salad fresh with dressing when serving again.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with cooked shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just make sure the protein is cooked and seasoned well to maintain that bold bang bang flavor profile.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Provided that you use gluten-free sweet chili sauce and sriracha, this Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those watching their gluten intake.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling over your salad to recombine any separated ingredients.
How spicy is this salad?
The level of heat in this salad is adjustable based on the amount of sriracha you use. Start with the recommended tablespoon, then add more if you like it hotter or less for a milder kick.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To bulk it up, add some avocado slices for creamy richness or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch. You can also serve the salad over cooked grains like quinoa or rice to make it a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and colors, this Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s fast, fresh, and fantastically tasty — perfect for busy days or when you want to impress friends with something a little different yet totally comforting. Give it a try and watch it quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bang Bang Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender cooked chicken with fresh mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy-sweet bang bang dressing. It’s quick to assemble and perfect for a light lunch or dinner, offering a delightful balance of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens or chopped romaine
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Bang Bang Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and salt until smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the spiciness or sweetness according to your preference. Set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer the mixed salad greens or romaine with shredded carrots, thinly sliced red cabbage, sliced cucumbers, sliced green onions, and cooked chicken breast. Drizzle the prepared bang bang dressing generously over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added texture and crunch. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp ingredients alongside the flavorful dressing.
Notes
- You can use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken depending on your preference or convenience.
- Add avocado slices or crispy wonton strips for extra richness and texture variation.
- This salad also works wonderfully as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
