If you’re searching for a salad that bursts with flavor and personality, Bang Bang Chicken Salad is truly a game changer. This vibrant dish combines crisp greens, crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and a creamy, spicy-sweet dressing that will keep you coming back for more. With its rainbow of colors and bold Asian-inspired flavors, this hearty salad transforms humble ingredients into something you’ll want to share (but secretly hope to keep all to yourself). It’s a dinner party pleaser, a meal prep hero, and the kind of “salad” that can turn even the biggest skeptics into true believers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Bang Bang Chicken Salad lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each element serves a real purpose — from the cooling cucumber to the punchy peanuts, every bite is perfectly balanced in taste, texture, and color.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The protein star, making this salad satisfying enough for a main course. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
- Mixed salad greens (6 cups): A blend of lettuces provides the fresh, crisp base that soaks up the tangy dressing.
- Shredded red cabbage (1 cup): Adds a gorgeous pop of color and satisfying crunch.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Bring sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to the salad.
- Red bell pepper (1/2, thinly sliced): Offers juicy texture and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Cucumber (1/2, sliced): Refreshing and cool, cucumber lightens every bite.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): A little sharpness and a fresh, mild onion kick.
- Peanuts or cashews (1/4 cup, chopped): For irresistible crunch and nutty depth; feel free to go with your favorite or a mix.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish): Lifts the whole salad with fresh, herbal notes.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, for dressing): The creamy foundation of the bang bang dressing; use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist if you prefer.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tbsp): Provides signature sweetness and subtle heat in the dressing.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp or to taste): Adds a real bang; adjust to your desired spice level.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances out the spice and tang with floral sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Lends gentle acidity to tie all the flavors together.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp): A splash enhances the umami and deepens the flavors; gluten-free soy sauce keeps it GF-friendly.
- Water (1–2 tbsp, to thin dressing): Helps you achieve the perfect pourable consistency for coating every leaf and shred.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Salad
Step 1: Mix Up That Signature Bang Bang Dressing
Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a tablespoon of water. Whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth—it should look luscious and taste amazing. If you like your sauce thinner, just add another splash or two of water. Don’t be shy about grabbing a spoon for taste-testing; this is your chance to tweak the spice or sweetness to make it perfect for your crew.
Step 2: Toss Together the Salad Base
In your biggest salad bowl, combine the shredded or chopped chicken breast, mixed greens, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Give it all a gentle toss so the veggies and chicken are nicely mingled. This colorful jumble is the canvas for your bang bang masterpiece.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle your bang bang dressing generously over the salad. Use tongs (or your clean hands—my favorite trick for even tossing) to gently combine everything until the chicken and veggies are lightly coated in that zippy, creamy sauce. You want every bite to sing with flavor!
Step 4: Finish with Crunch and Freshness
Sprinkle the salad with chopped peanuts or cashews and finish with a shower of fresh cilantro. The nuts bring irresistible crunch, while the cilantro adds that final pop of freshness that keeps each bite exciting.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Salad immediately for maximum crunch and brightness. Whether you dish it up in big dinner bowls or pile it onto a platter for sharing, this salad tastes best when fresh and lively.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Go the extra mile with your garnishes to make this Bang Bang Chicken Salad truly shine! More chopped peanuts or cashews, extra sliced green onions, a scatter of sesame seeds, or even a few extra chili flakes add gorgeous color and irresistible texture. Don’t hold back—a little flourish of cilantro on top always makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, pair your Bang Bang Chicken Salad with fluffy jasmine rice, a side of steamed edamame, or crisp vegetable spring rolls. These light sides balance out the flavors while keeping your meal feeling fresh and lively. A chilled glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lime wouldn’t hurt, either!
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Try piling your Bang Bang Chicken Salad into lettuce cups for fun, hand-held bites. For a hearty lunch, serve it over a bed of cooked quinoa or toss in some rice noodles. If you’re prepping for a picnic, tuck the coated salad inside a wrap with extra greens—it’s portable and just as tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Bang Bang Chicken Salad, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps your greens and veggies from getting soggy and ensures each serving is perfectly fresh when you’re ready for lunch the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Bang Bang Chicken Salad since the fresh veggies and creamy dressing don’t hold up well to thawing. The textures will be compromised, and that amazing crunch is best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to reheat. If you’d like to refresh the salad, simply give it a good toss with a little extra dressing before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the dressing and salad ingredients in advance, but don’t combine them until right before eating. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps everything crisp and fresh.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Both shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast work well. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, adding plenty of flavor and making this recipe convenient for busy weeknights.
Is there a lighter version of the bang bang dressing?
Yes, you can swap out some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It keeps the dressing creamy but lowers the calories, with the tangy yogurt taste blending beautifully with the other ingredients.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan mayo for the dressing. You’ll get the same punchy flavors, and the salad will be just as satisfying.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken Salad?
This salad has a subtle kick from sriracha, but you control the heat. Start with less if you’re spice-sensitive, or add more if you want it fiery. The sweet chili sauce balances things out, so the end result is bright, flavorful, and customizable.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Chicken Salad is so much more than just another chicken salad—it’s a vibrant, crave-worthy dish you’ll keep coming back to. Try it for your next weeknight dinner or meal prep lunch, and share the joy with friends and family. I’m sure it’ll earn a place in your regular rotation!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Chicken Salad is a delicious and spicy Asian-inspired salad with a creamy and flavorful bang bang dressing. It’s a perfect combination of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- ½ cucumber (sliced)
- ¼ cup green onions (sliced)
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts or cashews
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Bang Bang Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Add water gradually to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chicken, salad greens, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with chopped peanuts or cashews and cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy your Bang Bang Chicken Salad immediately.
Notes
- This salad is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- For a lower-calorie option, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
- For a heartier meal, add rice noodles or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
