Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Creamy Peanut Dressing

When I’m in the mood for something light yet filling, this salad is my go-to. Serve it over rice noodles for an extra treat. Yum!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the main protein in the salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken. If you’re vegetarian, consider chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying alternative.

Cabbage Mix: A mix of green and purple cabbage adds crunch and color. If you can’t find pre-shredded cabbage, you can chop it yourself. A mix of napa and green cabbage also works well.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the dressing its richness. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute. Just ensure it’s smooth so it mixes well.

Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice works in a pinch, giving a similar zesty taste.

How Do I Get the Perfectly Creamy Dressing?

Creating a smooth, creamy dressing can sometimes be tricky, especially when using peanut butter. Here’s a simple way to make it just right:

• Start with room temperature peanut butter for easier mixing.
• Whisk together your wet ingredients first: soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and fresh ginger.
• Gradually add the peanut butter, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• If the dressing is too thick, slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Personal Tip: For an extra flavor boost, feel free to add a bit of sesame oil to your dressing—it adds a nice depth!

Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Creamy Peanut Dressing

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
• 3 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
• Optional: fresh cilantro or basil leaves for garnish

For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 2-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
• A pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of sriracha (optional for heat)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want the flavors to meld beautifully, you can chill it for 15-30 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at a quick and delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, and green onions. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is mixed well. This colorful combination of veggies will make your salad vibrant and crunchy!

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger if you’re using it. Mix until smooth. To achieve a creamy but pourable consistency, slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until you get the right thickness. If you love some spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to taste.

3. Dress the Salad:

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the creamy peanut dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything well to ensure all chicken and veggies are coated evenly with that delicious peanut dressing.

4. Add Peanuts and Garnish:

Stir in the chopped roasted peanuts, reserving a handful for garnishing later. For a fresh punch, you can sprinkle some chopped cilantro or basil on top if you’d like.

5. Serve:

For the best texture and taste, serve immediately! If you’re prepping ahead or prefer chilled salad, let it sit in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes to meld the flavors nicely. Enjoy this vibrant, crunchy Thai chicken salad with its luscious peanut dressing!

Dig in and enjoy your refreshing meal! 🍽️

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make the salad gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Also, ensure your peanut butter is gluten-free, as some brands may add glutenous ingredients.

What Other Veggies Can I Add?

Feel free to customize your salad! You can add cucumbers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, so use whatever fresh veggies you enjoy!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad is dressed, it may soften slightly, but it’ll still be delicious! To keep it fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.