This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is fresh and full of flavor! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing come together for a tasty meal.
You can make it in no time, and it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love drenching everything in peanut sauce? Yummy! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is key for protein. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great! For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas instead, both of which will soak up the flavors beautifully.
Cabbage mix: A mix of green and purple cabbage adds color and crunch, but feel free to use any crunchy veggies you have on hand—like shredded carrots or broccoli. Ready-made slaw mixes are also a time-saver!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the dressing its richness. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter or tahini can work well as substitutes.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners balance the salty soy sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute with agave nectar or stevia for a sweeter dressing.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro is optional, but it adds a great fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or mint instead!
How Do I Make the Creamy Peanut Dressing Smooth?
Getting that smooth, creamy dressing is all about the right technique. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Start with room temperature ingredients to avoid clumps in the peanut butter.
- Whisk the peanut butter with the soy sauce and rice vinegar until blended. This helps break down the peanut butter more easily.
- Gradually add warm water to thin it out. This prevents it from becoming too watery at once and maintains a nice consistency.
- Mix in lime juice for a bright flavor and taste as you go! Adjust sweetness or heat with honey or crushed red pepper flakes.
Following these tips will ensure your dressing is creamy and just right for drizzling over your salad. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage mix (green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin out dressing as needed)
- Juice of half a lime
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus any additional time if you need to cook the chicken (about 20-25 minutes). So in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, poach or bake chicken breasts until they are cooked through. Let them cool, then shred the chicken using two forks. This will give you nice, tender pieces.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage mix, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro—if you’re using it for added freshness and flavor.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, slowly add warm water one tablespoon at a time until you get your desired consistency.
4. Combine:
Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together so that it’s evenly coated with that delicious dressing. Make sure every bite will be full of flavor!
5. Add Peanuts:
Lastly, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top of the salad for a nice crunch. Gently mix them in so they’re evenly distributed but not crushed.
6. Serve:
Enjoy your salad right away, or for even better flavor, cover and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let everything meld together. This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful salad that perfectly balances the creaminess of the peanut dressing with crisp veggies and tender chicken!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Creamy Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it into your salad for a quick meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing can sometimes cause veggies to wilt, so if you have extra dressing, store it separately and add it when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. They absorb the flavors well and provide a good protein source.
Is There a Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as a substitute for peanut butter in the dressing. Both will give you a creamy texture and a different flavor profile that’s still delicious!
