Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Name: Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach); 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, grated; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Water to thin as needed

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

A vibrant and refreshing salad that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, perfect for a light meal.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T20:15:18.282Z

This Thai Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for lunch or dinner. The peanut dressing adds a creamy, nutty richness that elevates the fresh ingredients.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect balance of flavors - sweet, savory, and tangy.
Packed with fresh vegetables that add crunch and color.
A deliciously creamy peanut dressing that brings everything together.

      

A Colorful Medley of Ingredients

This Thai Chicken Salad is not just a feast for your taste buds, but also for your eyes. The vibrant colors of red bell peppers, green cilantro, and purple cabbage create an appealing dish that you can't resist. The mix of textures—from the crunch of fresh vegetables to the tenderness of shredded chicken—ensures that every bite is a delightful experience. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this salad both nutritious and satisfying.

Incorporating a variety of vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of this salad. Mixed greens provide essential vitamins, while carrots and red cabbage are packed with antioxidants. The addition of fresh herbs like cilantro elevates the taste profile, making this dish refreshing and aromatic. This salad is an excellent way to increase your vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor.

The Magic of Peanut Dressing

The creamy peanut dressing is the star of the show in this Thai Chicken Salad. Made with simple yet flavorful ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey, this dressing brings a rich, nutty flavor that complements the salad perfectly. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes creates a well-rounded dressing that enhances every bite.

Not only is the peanut dressing delicious, but it also adds a healthy dose of protein and healthy fats to your meal. Peanut butter is known for its heart-healthy properties and provides satiety, making this salad a perfect option for a light lunch or dinner. You can easily adjust the dressing's thickness by adding water, making it versatile for drizzling or dipping.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for a healthy meal prep option, this Thai Chicken Salad fits the bill. It can be served as a main dish or as a side to complement grilled meats. The salad is also easily customizable; feel free to add your favorite ingredients like avocado, edamame, or even sliced almonds for extra crunch.

Making this salad ahead of time? Simply store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh and crisp. When you're ready to eat, toss them together for a quick and satisfying meal. This salad is not only delicious but also convenient, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious salad:

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach)
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, sliced

Peanut Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Water to thin as needed

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to prepare the salad!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Thai Chicken Salad:

Prepare the Peanut Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and minced garlic. Add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Thai Chicken Salad!

Storage Tips

When it comes to storing your Thai Chicken Salad, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This ensures that the greens remain crisp and fresh. Store the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The peanut dressing can also be kept in a sealed container for about a week, making it a great make-ahead option.

If you find yourself with leftovers, consider repurposing the salad into a wrap. Simply take a tortilla, add the salad and a drizzle of peanut dressing, then roll it up for a delicious and portable meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This Thai Chicken Salad is not just a treat for the palate; it also offers numerous health benefits. The combination of lean chicken and fresh vegetables provides a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken is known for its low-fat content and high protein levels, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy diet.

The colorful vegetables contribute a wealth of nutrients, including fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The healthy fats from the peanut butter in the dressing not only enhance the flavor but also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, making this salad a nutrition-packed meal option.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Thai Chicken Salad experience, consider pairing it with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. You could also serve it alongside fresh spring rolls for a complete Thai-inspired feast. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes can give your salad an exciting kick.

Don't forget to garnish your salad with extra chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. A squeeze of lime just before serving can also enhance the freshness of the dish, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the peanut dressing in advance?

Yes, the peanut dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What if I don't have cooked chicken?

You can grill or poach chicken breasts and shred them for this recipe.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the salad from wilting.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other favorites like cucumbers, snap peas, or avocado.