This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is fresh and packed with flavor! Crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing make it oh-so-delicious. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
I love how this salad is super easy to whip up. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a tasty meal. Plus, that peanut dressing is a real crowd-pleaser—you might want to make extra! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a plant-based option, try shredded tofu or chickpeas instead for added protein.
Coleslaw Mix: This mix adds a great crunch and color. If you can’t find it, simply shred some cabbage and carrots yourself. You can also add other vegetables like sliced snap peas or bell pepper to keep it interesting.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds sweetness and color. If you don’t have it, any other colored bell pepper works great, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch.
Peanut Butter: Choose creamy for smooth dressing, but crunchy adds texture. If you have allergies, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can make a good substitute.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners add a nice touch. Agave syrup works for a vegan option, or you can skip it if you like it less sweet.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Peanut Dressing?
Getting the right consistency for your peanut dressing is crucial. It’s about finding that lovely creamy texture while keeping it pourable. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Start with a good-quality creamy peanut butter. It blends much better with the liquids.
- Whisk the ingredients well, and if the dressing is too thick, add water gradually until it’s the right consistency.
- Taste as you go! Adjust with extra lime juice for tang or honey for sweetness as needed.
- If you want some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
With these tips, you’ll have a smooth and creamy dressing that elevates your salad!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin dressing as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for about 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It’s quick and perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Gather a large mixing bowl, and into it, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped peanuts, and cilantro (if you’re using it). Toss everything together gently to mix well, making sure all the colorful veggies and chicken are evenly distributed.
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Gradually add water, whisking until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Now, pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats all the lovely chicken and veggies.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Here’s the fun part—taste your salad! If you feel it needs more flavor, add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, lime juice for tang, or honey for sweetness to suit your taste.
5. Garnish and Serve:
For an extra touch, garnish your salad with more chopped peanuts and additional green onions if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh crunch, or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
This Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing is not only vibrant and delicious, but it also makes a perfect light meal any day of the week. Enjoy your refreshing creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred it and toss it into the salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make the salad vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the chicken with shredded tofu or chickpeas, and use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. This way, you’ll still enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
What Kind of Peanuts Should I Use?
Roasted peanuts add a nice crunch and flavor, but feel free to use unsalted if you prefer less salt. If you have nut allergies, you can substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar texture!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the dressing may soften the veggies, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately for better texture!
