bang bang chicken salad

Lunch

Bang Bang Chicken Salad

This bang bang chicken salad is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with crisp chopped bell pepper, carrots and scallions. The star of the salad is the creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and a hint of Sriracha for heat. It’s easy to prepare and makes a satisfying lunch, light dinner or appetizer served with crudités and crackers.

Ingredients

⅓ cup whole-milk plain strained (greek-style) yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
½ cup matchstick carrots
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 medium scallions, thinly sliced (about ¼ cup), plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
toasted white and black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
crudités and crackers, for serving (optional)

Directions

Whisk ⅓ cup yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons Sriracha, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ½ teaspoon ginger, ½ teaspoon onion powder and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, if using, together in a medium bowl. Add 4 cups chicken, ½ cup carrots, ½ cup red bell pepper, the sliced scallions and 2 tablespoons cilantro; stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle with additional cilantro and scallions and/or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with crudités and crackers, if desired.