Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing Recipe

If you’re yearning for something vibrant, crunchy, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing will instantly brighten your table (and your mood!). Imagine golden shards of perfectly crisped rice tumbled with juicy chicken, crisp cabbage, and a rainbow of vegetables, all tossed in a silky, zingy peanut lime dressing—it’s the kind of fresh, playful meal you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing is that every ingredient adds its own spark—think satisfying rice, rainbow veggies, and that crave-worthy drizzle. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some little tips to make each component shine.

• Cooked Jasmine Rice: Leftover, day-old rice works best for maximum crispiness, but you can also use freshly cooked rice that’s been chilled for a few hours.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and savory, it seasons both the rice and the dressing with deep umami flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Just a touch brings that hint of sweetness to balance the spice and tang throughout the dish.
• Chili Crunch (or Sriracha): Adds an addictive spicy kick—adjust the amount to your heat preference!
• Peanut Butter: The heart of the creamy dressing, bringing nutty richness that feels so indulgent.
• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle lifts everything with that toasty aroma we love in Asian-inspired dishes.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Bright, slightly sweet acidity helps cut through the richness of the dressing and chicken.
• Lime Juice: Adds fresh, zesty zing that makes every component pop—don’t skip it!
• Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatics give the dressing a punchy, complex backbone you’ll adore.
• Chicken Breasts: Tender chunks give the salad staying power, but see the variations below if you’re looking for a veggie twist.
• Purple Cabbage: Not only is it gorgeous, but it adds amazing crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Edamame: Little pops of plant protein and buttery texture in every forkful.
• Red Pepper, Carrots, Cucumber: A colorful, hydrating trio—slice them thin for maximum crunch and even mixing.
• Cilantro & Green Onions: For a fragrant, herby note that livens up each bite.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this salad is how endlessly adaptable it is. Feel free to mix things up based on what’s in your fridge, your flavor mood, or whatever dietary needs you have—it’s basically an edible canvas!

• Go Vegan: Swap in crispy tofu or tempeh for the chicken and be sure to use a vegan-friendly chili crunch or sriracha for the dressing.
• Try a Different Protein: Rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or even flaked salmon would be delicious—perfect for leftovers!
• Add Crunchy Nuts: Toasted peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds on top will double down on that irresistible crunch factor.
• Make It Low-Carb: Sub in cauliflower rice, crisped up the same way, for a lighter spin on this salad.

How to Make Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

Step 1: Prepare and Crisp the Rice

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, gently toss your cooked jasmine rice with soy sauce, maple syrup, and a healthy spoonful of chili crunch. Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes, until it’s delightfully crispy and golden at the edges. Let the rice cool completely—this is the key to keeping the crunch intact when mixing with the rest of the salad!

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies & Proteins

While your rice is working its magic in the oven, slice up your purple cabbage, red pepper, carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Cube your cooked chicken breasts, and get your cilantro roughly chopped. Having everything ready makes assembly super easy (and so pretty!).

Step 3: Blend Up the Peanut Lime Dressing

In a small blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, chili crunch or sriracha, fresh garlic, and ginger. Blend until silky smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of water so it pours easily but stays creamy. Taste and adjust the lime or spice to your liking—you want that balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.

Step 4: Assemble & Toss Everything Together

In a big serving bowl, layer your chicken, veggies, and cooled crispy rice. Pour that irresistible peanut lime dressing over the top, then toss everything gently until every bite is evenly coated. Take a moment to marvel at the colors—it’s a genuine rainbow!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dive in immediately for the crunchiest, most dazzling Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing experience! Or, if you’re meal-prepping, see the storage tips below to keep everything fresh and fabulous.

How to Serve Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped cilantro, green onion, toasted sesame seeds, or a shower of crushed roasted peanuts takes this salad over the top. I also like a few extra lime wedges on the side for a citrusy punch right before digging in!

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to shine as a main, but it’s also fantastic paired with light, simple sides like miso soup, fresh watermelon, or even crunchy summer rolls. For something extra-filling, serve with a bowl of chilled soba noodles or a platter of potstickers.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing in a large, shallow platter for maximum visual drama, or build pretty individual bowls for a fun, interactive dinner with friends. Want to impress at a picnic? Pack the components separately and let everyone build their own bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you expect leftovers, store the crispy rice, salad mix-ins, and peanut lime dressing in separate containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and ensures your rice stays nice and crunchy until you’re ready to eat again—simply assemble right before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled salad, but the cooked chicken and even the peanut lime dressing can be frozen separately in airtight containers for up to a month. The crispy rice and fresh veggies are best enjoyed freshly baked and chopped.

Reheating

To revive leftover crispy rice, simply pop it in a hot oven (or even a dry nonstick skillet) for a few minutes to crisp it back up before tossing with your salad components and peanut dressing. The veggies and dressing are best enjoyed cold, right from the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing—it’s fresh, bold, and never boring! Whether you serve it as a showstopping main or a memorable side, every bite bursts with texture and flavor. Grab your favorite veggies and get crisping—you’re in for something special!

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