Description
Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a fresh and colorful salad featuring tender cooked chicken, crunchy shredded cabbage, vibrant vegetables, fragrant fresh herbs, and a creamy homemade peanut dressing. This salad blends sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors in a light, healthy, and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup edamame
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Peanut Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp warm water
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut dressing: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended. Add more warm water a little at a time if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, julienned carrot, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced cucumber, edamame, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and chopped fresh mint to create a vibrant base for the salad.
- Add the chicken: Incorporate the cooked chicken that has been sliced or shredded into the bowl with the vegetables. Toss gently to combine all the elements evenly without breaking up the chicken pieces.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle the freshly prepared peanut dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss carefully but thoroughly to evenly coat the salad with the dressing, ensuring every bite has balanced flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top of the tossed salad for added crunch and nutty flavor. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- Add sliced mango or avocado to the salad for a fruity sweetness and creamy texture.
- Keep the peanut dressing separate if preparing the salad ahead of time to prevent wilting.
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
