This Thai Chicken Salad is packed with flavor! It features juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties it all together.
I love how colorful and fresh this salad looks on my plate. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without feeling like I’m missing out on taste! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is crucial for this salad. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. I’ve found that marinated grilled chicken adds a nice flavor, too!
Mixed Greens or Cabbage: You can use any greens you like. Romaine, kale, or spinach also work well. If you’re looking for crunch, try using Napa cabbage for a lighter taste. I prefer a mix for added texture and color!
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter is best for the dressing. If you’re allergic, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great substitutes. Just make sure they are unsweetened to keep the dressing balanced.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either sweetener adds a lovely touch to the dressing. You can swap honey for agave syrup if you’re vegan. I usually adjust the sweetness depending on how tangy I want the dressing to be!
Fresh Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be an excellent alternative. I’ve even used mint for a refreshing twist. It’s all about what you enjoy!
How Do I Make Creamy and Flavorful Peanut Dressing?
Making the peanut dressing is super easy! It’s essential to whisk the ingredients well to achieve a creamy texture. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Start with peanut butter in a bowl, then add soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil.
- Minced garlic gives the dressing a wonderful taste. Don’t skip this! Add salt and pepper to your liking.
- If the dressing is too thick, gradually stir in a tablespoon or two of water until you get your preferred consistency.
- Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the sweet and salty elements as needed. A hint more lime juice can brighten the dressing up beautifully!
How to Make Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens or cabbage (green and purple), shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional chilling time of 30 minutes if you choose. It’s a quick and easy salad that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken, mixed greens or cabbage, grated carrots, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped green onions, and chopped peanuts. Give it a gentle toss to mix all the ingredients together, creating a colorful base for your salad.
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. If you find the dressing too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy yet pourable!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the flavorful peanut dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure that all the veggies and chicken are well coated with the dressing. This step is crucial to get that delicious flavor in every bite!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Thai Chicken Salad immediately, topped with fresh cilantro if you like. If you prefer to let the flavors mingle a bit more, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Either way, it will be a delightful dish to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken like you would if you cooked it yourself, and it’ll save you some preparation time while keeping the salad delicious!
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use peanut butter, you can substitute it with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar texture. The flavor will change a bit, but it will still be tasty!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the greens may become wilted, so you might want to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving for freshness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like shredded cabbage, snap peas, or even edamame for some extra crunch and nutrition. Just aim to keep the total vegetable amount similar to maintain the salad’s balance.
