This Thai Chicken Salad is a fresh and colorful mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a rich peanut dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for a light meal!
I love how the flavors blend in this salad. It’s like a party in a bowl! Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making lunch or dinner super easy on busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is a great protein base. If you’re looking for an alternative, cooked shredded tofu or chickpeas can work well for a vegetarian option.
Cabbage: Mixed cabbage adds crunch and color. If you can’t find cabbage, feel free to use kale or a bag of shredded coleslaw mix for a similar texture.
Carrots: Shredded carrots bring sweetness and color. If you’re short on fresh carrots, pre-packaged shredded carrots or even thin strips of bell pepper can substitute.
Peppers: Red and green bell peppers offer freshness. You can swap them for other peppers like yellow or orange for sweetness, or use mini sweet peppers for a colorful mix.
Cilantro: Cilantro freshens the salad up. If you’re not a fan, parsley or even mint can work as substitutes for a different flavor.
How Do I Make a Creamy Peanut Dressing?
The peanut dressing is what brings everything together. It’s creamy, tangy, and flavorful! Here’s a simple way to make it come out perfect:
- Start with room-temperature peanut butter. This makes it easier to mix.
- Whisk in soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, and lime juice for brightness.
- Add ginger and garlic for zing; these add a lovely depth of flavor.
- Thin it out with water as needed. If you prefer a thick dressing, you can leave it as is!
Remember to taste and adjust while mixing. You can always add more lime juice or honey to balance the flavors. Enjoy mixing it all up!
How to Make Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups mixed cabbage (green and purple), shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanuts, crushed (for topping)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quickly put together and can be served immediately, or you can let it chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing meal later on. Super easy and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by placing the cooked, shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. This creates a colorful and crunchy base for your salad!
2. Whisk Together the Peanut Dressing:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. If you find the dressing is a bit thick, gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
3. Combine and Serve:
Pour the peanut dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated with that delicious dressing. Now your salad is ready to be served! For an extra crunch, sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top. You can enjoy it right away, or if you prefer, chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Enjoy your refreshing Thai Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Instead of Cooked Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad. Just make sure it’s cooked through and shred it after it’s cooled slightly for easy mixing.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a peanut butter alternative, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but the dressing will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the ingredients fresh, it’s best to add the peanut dressing just before serving if possible, as the salad can become soggy over time.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peanut dressing a few days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir or whisk before using, and if it thickens, you can add a little water or lime juice to adjust the consistency.
