Colorful Protein Crunch

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

A quick mix of shredded chicken, protein-packed edamame, red cabbage, and fresh herbs, all topped with a creamy, tangy dressing made of peanut butter, lime, and ginger. This vibrant salad is ready in 15 minutes and balanced with savory and fresh flavors.

Just mix up the dressing, toss it with the veggies and chicken, then add herbs and toasted cashews. You can serve it in lettuce wraps or pair it with your favorite crackers and vegetable sticks. For storage, keep the dressing apart for up to 4 days.

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Updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 18:28:49 GMT
Crunchy chicken salad with edamame and creamy dressing. Pin it
Crunchy chicken salad with edamame and creamy dressing. | homedeliciousrecipes.com

This protein-rich chicken and edamame mix turns basic ingredients into a bright, nutrient-loaded meal that's ideal for quick dinners or batch cooking. The mix of soft rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and smooth peanut sauce creates a dance of textures and tastes you'll want again and again.

I came up with this dish during a super busy week when I needed fast, healthy dinners that wouldn't create tons of dirty dishes. My family wasn't sure about the edamame at first but now they ask for this bright salad often when they need an energy boost.

Ingredients

  • Rotisserie chicken: Gives you soft, ready-to-eat protein with zero cooking needed
  • Shelled edamame: Offers plant protein and a nice chew
  • Red cabbage: Adds gorgeous color, snap, and healthy nutrients
  • Coconut aminos: Make a soy-like taste with lower salt and no gluten
  • Natural peanut butter: Creates the smooth base for the dressing without extra sugars
  • Fresh herbs: Such as cilantro and mint make the whole dish pop with fresh flavor
  • Toasted cashews: Add a rich crunch and good fats
  • Rice vinegar and lime juice: Give the perfect sour kick to balance the creamy dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing:
Mix coconut aminos, avocado oil, peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a big bowl until smooth. Don't rush this part to make sure the peanut butter blends completely for a velvety sauce that will stick to every bit.
Combine the proteins and vegetables:
Toss in the pulled chicken, chopped shallot, thin-sliced red cabbage, cut green onions, and edamame with the dressing. Use tongs to mix everything well so all parts get covered in the tasty sauce. The cabbage will start to soften slightly as it mixes with the acid ingredients.
Finish with fresh elements:
Lightly add the cilantro, mint, and toasted cashews. These tender ingredients go in last to keep their texture and stop the herbs from getting mushy. The bright green herbs make a pretty contrast against the purple cabbage and add fresh, aromatic notes to each bite.
A protein-rich chicken and edamame mix with colorful veggies. Pin it
A protein-rich chicken and edamame mix with colorful veggies. | homedeliciousrecipes.com

The edamame in this dish totally changes it from an ordinary chicken salad into something unique. I found how well their texture matches chicken a few years back while trying to eat more protein after gym sessions. Now my kids look forward to finding these bright green beans throughout the mix.

Versatile Serving Options

This flexible dish works in many different ways. I really love the lettuce cup method, where fresh radicchio or butter lettuce makes a crisp holder for the flavorful filling. For a bigger meal, put it on cooked quinoa or brown rice to add complex carbs. It's also great stuffed in a wrap with avocado pieces or can work as a high-protein dip with rice crackers and cucumber slices when you're having friends over.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad gets even better over time as the flavors mix together. You can make it up to two days before, keeping it in a sealed container in the fridge. For the best freshness, add the herbs and cashews right before you eat to keep their crunch and bright look. If making for lunch boxes, think about packing single portions with the lettuce cups kept apart so they don't get soft.

Simple Substitutions

Don't have rotisserie chicken? Try any cooked chicken breast or thighs, or make it veggie-friendly by using twice the edamame and adding chunks of extra-firm tofu. You can swap red cabbage for Napa cabbage or even broccoli slaw for a different feel. If you can't eat peanuts, try almond or sunflower seed butter in the dressing instead. And if you like spicy food, add some sriracha or a chopped Thai chili to the sauce.

A protein-rich chicken and edamame mix perfect for quick meals. Pin it
A protein-rich chicken and edamame mix perfect for quick meals. | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this in advance?

Totally! Just store the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, mix them together and sprinkle on fresh herbs and cashews for the best texture and taste.

→ What works instead of coconut aminos?

If you're out of coconut aminos, swap it with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (use slightly less since they're saltier). Another option is mixed fish sauce, some water, and a dab of maple syrup for a soy-free twist.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap out the chicken for 2 cups of crispy pan-fried tofu or cooked quinoa. The edamame and cashews still bring plenty of protein, and the dressing pairs perfectly with these changes!

→ What if I’m not into cilantro?

No worries! Use mint, parsley, or even Thai basil instead. These add more freshness to the salad, so it's better to replace the cilantro rather than skipping it entirely.

→ Can I use another nut butter instead?

Yes, for sure! Almond or cashew butter are great swaps. If you need a nut-free option, go for tahini or sunflower seed butter. Just tweak the seasonings a little to match the flavors.

→ How can I add more veggies?

Get creative! Throw in some chopped bell peppers, snap peas, carrot slivers, or cucumbers for an extra crunch. Avocado can give creaminess, and fruits like mango or oranges can pop in some sweetness. Just match the dressing amount to the extras for a balanced taste.

Edamame Chicken Crunch

Shredded chicken, edamame, and crunchy veggies in a creamy peanut-ginger sauce. Quick and easy in 15 minutes!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion-Style Asian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Dressing

01 3 tablespoons drizzly, natural peanut butter
02 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
03 1/4 cup coconut aminos
04 1 tablespoon avocado oil
05 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
06 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
07 2 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
08 Pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
09 Fresh black pepper, cracked

→ Chicken Salad

10 2 heaping cups of finely shredded red cabbage
11 1 small shallot, minced finely
12 4 cups pulled rotisserie chicken, in small pieces
13 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, plus extra to sprinkle on top
14 1 9-ounce bag of shelled edamame, prepped
15 4 green onions, thinly sliced, tips trimmed off
16 1/2 cup mint leaves, julienned into thin strips, plus more for later
17 1/2 cup toasted and roughly chopped cashews, save some for garnish

→ To Serve

18 Lime slices for squeezing over
19 Leaves of butter lettuce or radicchio cups

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a big bowl and mix together the coconut aminos, peanut butter, lime juice, avocado oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger, some salt, and pepper. Stir till it's nice and creamy.

Step 02

Toss the chicken, cabbage, green onions, edamame, and shallot into the bowl with the dressing. Use tongs to combine everything until coated well.

Step 03

Sprinkle in the mint, cilantro, and cashews. Gently fold it all together without squishing.

Step 04

Fill lettuce cups or radicchio leaves with the salad. Add more cashews, herbs, and some lime juice on top if you'd like. Serve with crackers, cucumbers, or carrot sticks for variety.

Step 05

Store the chicken mix and dressing in separate airtight containers in your fridge. They’ll last about 4 days.

Notes

  1. For a lighter meal, serve in lettuce leaves. Crackers make it heartier if that’s what you’re craving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big bowl to mix stuff in
  • Tongs for tossing everything together
  • Knife for chopping
  • A sturdy cutting board
  • Whisk to get the dressing smooth

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes peanuts (in the dressing)
  • Cashews are part of the salad garnish
  • Edamame may have soy contamination

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 25 g