Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Name: Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; Water, as needed to thin the dressing

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish served with a creamy peanut dressing that brings together fresh ingredients and zesty flavors.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-16T18:02:19.466Z

This Thai Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it's an experience! Every bite is packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with tender chicken and a delightful peanut dressing.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh and crunchy vegetables that add texture.
Creamy peanut dressing that perfectly complements the flavors.
Quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weekdays.

      

Fresh Ingredients for a Flavorful Experience

The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients in this Thai Chicken Salad not only make it visually appealing but also provide a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The crisp salad greens and crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers offer a satisfying bite that complements the tender, shredded chicken. Each ingredient is carefully selected to contribute to the overall freshness of the dish, ensuring that every mouthful is a delightful experience.

Incorporating fresh cilantro and green onions adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the salad to another level. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also provide essential nutrients, making this salad a wholesome choice for any meal. The addition of cucumbers lends a refreshing crunch, making it a perfect dish for warm days or a light dinner option.

The Perfect Peanut Dressing

The creamy peanut dressing is the star of this salad, providing a luxurious coating that ties all the flavors together. Made with simple yet rich ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice, this dressing strikes a perfect balance between savory and tangy. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while sesame oil introduces a hint of nuttiness, making every bite even more irresistible.

What sets this dressing apart is its versatility. Not only does it pair beautifully with this salad, but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or a sauce for grilled meats. Adjusting the consistency with water allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer it thick and creamy or light and drizzly.

A Quick and Easy Meal Option

One of the best aspects of this Thai Chicken Salad is its simplicity and speed of preparation. With just a few minutes needed to whip up the dressing and assemble the salad, it becomes an excellent choice for busy weekdays. You can even prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making it even easier to enjoy a healthy meal on the go.

This salad is not only quick to make but also highly customizable. Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option, ensuring that this recipe caters to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Thai Chicken Salad:

For the Salad

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, 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 teaspoon sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Water, as needed to thin the dressing

Once you've gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to make this delicious salad!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Thai Chicken Salad:

Make the Peanut Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add water a little at a time until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salad greens, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions.

Toss and Serve

Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and serve immediately.

Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Thai Chicken Salad!

Serving Suggestions

This Thai Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. Pair it with a bowl of jasmine rice or serve it alongside spring rolls for a complete meal. It also makes for a fantastic picnic dish or a light lunch option packed in a container. The flavors only get better as they sit, making it a great choice for meal prepping on busy weeks.

For a fun twist, consider adding some grilled shrimp or tofu to the salad for additional protein. You can also incorporate fruits such as mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not just a treat for the taste buds; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. The mixed greens are rich in vitamins A and C, while the colorful vegetables provide a host of antioxidants. Shredded carrots offer beta-carotene, which is beneficial for eye health, while the inclusion of peanuts adds healthy fats and protein, making the salad filling and satisfying.

Additionally, the use of lime juice and fresh herbs enhances the dish's vitamin C content, supporting your immune system and overall health. Enjoying this salad regularly can contribute to a balanced diet, helping you stay energized and nourished.

Storage Tips

If you're making this salad in advance, store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh. The vegetables can be prepped a day ahead and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The peanut dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed jar for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

When ready to serve, simply combine the salad ingredients and drizzle with the dressing. This approach ensures that your salad remains crisp and delicious, preventing any sogginess. For leftovers, store any uneaten salad in the fridge, but be aware that it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe!

→ Is the peanut dressing healthy?

Yes, it includes healthy fats from the peanut butter and can be adjusted to your dietary preferences.

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

→ What can I substitute for peanut butter?

Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be used as alternatives if you have nut allergies.