This crunchy Thai chicken salad is fresh and full of flavor! With juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing, it’s a delicious meal that won’t take much time to prepare.
I love how quick this salad is to whip up—just toss it all together! Plus, who can resist that tasty peanut dressing? It’s like a party in a bowl. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken is a great time-saver. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover chicken from another meal.
Cabbage Mix: I like the blend of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch. If cabbage isn’t available, use chopped romaine or even a bagged coleslaw mix.
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness, but feel free to swap with yellow or orange bell peppers or even snap peas for something different.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is perfect for dressing. If you’re allergic, use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead.
Honey/Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness, but agave syrup is another good option if you want it vegan.
How Do You Make Homemade Peanut Dressing Smooth?
The secret to a smooth peanut dressing is all in the mixing! Start with creamy peanut butter, and whisk in your other ingredients gradually. Here’s how:
- Mix the peanut butter with the soy sauce and other liquids first to combine.
- Add warm water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well until you get a pourable consistency.
- Taste and adjust with salt or extra lime juice if needed.
This way, the dressing won’t clump and will perfectly coat your salad!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or mint (optional)
- For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or ½ tsp sriracha (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You can serve it right after mixing, but refrigerating it for 30 minutes enhances the flavor. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and optional chopped herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint for extra flavor.
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, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes or sriracha (if using). Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is well coated with the dressing.
4. Serve:
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately, or for a more intense flavor, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy this salad on its own or over a bed of greens for a light and tasty meal!
This fresh Thai chicken salad is packed with vibrant flavors, textures, and it’s sure to be a hit at any lunch or dinner gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Pre-Packaged Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver if you’re short on time. Just shred the chicken and mix it into your salad base without any extra cooking required!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep the peanuts separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their crunch!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the peanut dressing in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, and feel free to thin it out with a little warm water if it thickened up!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you have a peanut allergy or want a different flavor, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile of the dressing.
