This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor! With juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a yummy peanut dressing, it’s a meal everyone will love.
I love how quick and colorful this salad is. Plus, the peanut dressing is like a little party for your taste buds! Perfect for lunch or dinner without the fuss! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken gives this salad protein and texture. It’s great to use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a vegetarian option, swap it with tofu or chickpeas!
Coleslaw Mix: This mix adds crunch and color. If you don’t have it, you can use thinly sliced cabbage and carrots instead. You can also throw in shredded broccoli or snap peas for extra flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is key to the dressing’s richness. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a great alternative.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime adds brightness. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works well too, though it will taste a bit different. Just squeeze enough to get that tart flavor!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners balance the dressing. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup for sweetness, or agave syrup if that’s your preference.
How Do You Make Creamy Peanut Dressing?
Making the peanut dressing might seem tricky, but it’s straightforward. The key is to blend the flavors and get a smooth consistency. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by combining the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Gradually mix in warm water. This helps thin the dressing to your desired consistency; start with two tablespoons and add more if needed!
- Whisk until everything blends smoothly. Don’t be afraid to give it a good stir!
- If you enjoy a mild kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust this to your taste.
Tips for success: Always taste the dressing before pouring it over the salad. Adjust sweetness or acidity until it fits your liking. A little balance goes a long way!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare with no cooking time needed (if you use pre-cooked chicken). Plus, if you choose to chill the salad, allow for an additional 30 minutes to blend all the flavors together. A quick and delightful meal is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large bowl and mixing your shredded cooked chicken with the coleslaw mix. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and sliced green onions. If you love the fresh flavor of cilantro, throw that in too! Mix everything together gently.
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and minced garlic. As you mix, gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until you get a smooth, pourable dressing. If you’d like some extra heat, add in those crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
3. Dress the Salad:
Once your peanut dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so every bite is coated in that delicious dressing.
4. Add Peanuts and Serve:
For that crunch factor, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top right before serving. Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning if you find it necessary—more lime juice for tang, honey for a touch of sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
5. Chill and Enjoy:
You can serve this salad right away, or for even better flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your tasty and colorful Thai Chicken Salad!
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, providing a vibrant mix of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a rich, savory-sweet peanut dressing!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken is perfect for this salad. Just shred it and incorporate it into the salad for a quick and easy meal!
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu. Both options will add protein and texture while keeping the flavors delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, as it can make the salad soggy. Re-mix the salad with dressing just before enjoying!
Can I Make the Peanut Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! The peanut dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using, as it may thicken when chilled.
