Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy, zesty peanut dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish at gatherings. This salad offers a satisfying crunch and a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Fresh: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein.
- Full of Flavor: The peanut dressing adds a deliciously rich and tangy taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish, side salad, or meal prep option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin, if needed)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, and sesame oil in a bowl. Add warm water as needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Combine: Pour the peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to evenly coat everything in the dressing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or edamame.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Add Noodles: Mix in cooked rice noodles for a more filling meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Dressing Storage: The peanut dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week. Stir well before use.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance but mix them together just before serving to keep the salad crunchy.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option, but you can also use poached or grilled chicken.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter also work well in the dressing.
How do I keep the salad fresh?
Store the vegetables and dressing separately until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Mango or mandarin orange segments add a nice sweet and fresh flavor.
What other vegetables can I use?
Snow peas, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas make great additions.
How can I make the dressing lighter?
Use less peanut butter or swap half of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Can I use pre-packaged coleslaw mix?
Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this salad?
Serve it on its own or with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to your table. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep idea or a fresh side dish for a gathering, this salad is a perfect choice. The creamy, flavorful peanut dressing ties everything together beautifully, making every bite irresistible. Give it a try and enjoy this crunchy, colorful, and healthy recipe!
Print
Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Description
Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing. This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Water, as needed to thin the dressing
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, shredded chicken, edamame, green onions, and cilantro.
-
Make the Peanut Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
- If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the peanut dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top as a garnish.
-
Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately for optimal crunchiness.
Notes
- For added protein, consider using grilled shrimp or tofu as alternatives to chicken.
- Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing by modifying the amounts of honey and lime juice to suit your taste preferences.
- This salad can be prepared in advance; however, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the vegetables’ crispness.