This Thai Chicken Salad is fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavors! It mixes tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
The peanut dressing is a crowd-pleaser! I love how easy it is to whip up. You can even make extra to use on other salads—because who doesn’t like a good dip? 🥜🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped cooked chicken is the star here. I often use rotisserie chicken as it saves time and adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Mixed Salad Greens: A mix of cabbage, lettuce, and kale adds great crunch and nutrition. If you can’t find these, use any leafy greens like spinach or arugula instead.
Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness. You can swap in other colors, like yellow or orange bell peppers, for variety. If you like it spicy, consider adding sliced jalapeños!
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter gives the dressing its creamy texture. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter makes a nice substitute. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the right flavor balance.
How Do I Make Sure My Peanut Dressing is Just Right?
Getting the peanut dressing smooth and flavorful is crucial for this salad. Follow these steps:
- Start with the peanut butter and whisk it with soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger until it’s well combined.
- If it feels too thick, add water a little at a time, stirring until you reach your preferred thickness.
- Always taste the dressing! Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper to suit your taste.
How to Make Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as cabbage, lettuce, and kale)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing, as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Thai Chicken Salad recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few moments chopping and mixing, and then it’s ready to serve. Simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Mixture:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the cooked chicken, mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. This colorful mixture will be the base of your salad!
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a separate bowl, get started on your peanut dressing. Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the Dressing Consistency:
If you find the dressing a bit too thick, don’t worry! Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of water while whisking until you reach a consistency that you like. Don’t forget to taste it and add salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
4. Combine and Serve:
Now, pour the peanut dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. It’s a beautiful sight!
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for everyone to dig in. For a delightful finish, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top as a garnish. Enjoy your delicious Thai Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, try using almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini as a substitute. Each will give a slightly different taste, but they’ll still create a delicious dressing!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for about 2 days, while the dressing can last up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using again!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor. Just be mindful of the total volume so you can still toss everything with the dressing evenly!
