This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy veggies and tender chicken, all topped with a creamy peanut dressing that’s full of flavor. It’s fresh, tasty, and super satisfying!
Mixing it all together feels like a party on my plate! I love how I can whip this up for lunch or dinner, and it always makes me feel good. You can’t go wrong with those peanut vibes! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu instead for protein.
Coleslaw Mix: This is a mix of green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. You can make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots or use pre-packaged mixes. If you want a crunch, add in some chopped kale.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add crunch. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that satisfying crunch.
Pepper: A red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Feel free to replace it with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even cucumbers for a refreshing twist!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a nice herbal flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can work as substitutes for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make the Perfect Peanut Dressing?
The creamy peanut dressing is key to the flavor of this salad. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with room temperature peanut butter for easy whisking. If it’s too thick, warm it slightly.
- Mix in soy sauce and rice vinegar for umami and tanginess, but if you are gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Feel free to taste and adjust the sweetness with honey or maple syrup.
- If you want it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce!
Remember, you can adjust the thickness by adding warm water gradually until you find your perfect consistency. Just whisk away and enjoy that creamy texture!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix (green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ginger paste
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Estimate:
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this delicious salad. This includes chopping and mixing the ingredients, plus an optional 15-20 minutes to let everything chill in the fridge for an even better flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Grab a large bowl and toss in the shredded chicken breast, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped roasted peanuts, and cilantro if you like. It’s a colorful mix that’s just waiting to be dressed!
2. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and minced garlic. As you whisk, add warm water a tablespoon at a time until the dressing is smooth and reaches your desired thickness.
3. Season and Adjust:
If you want a little kick, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. This is where you can make it perfect for your palate!
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Now, pour that delicious creamy peanut dressing over your salad mix. Give it a good toss until everything is coated in that tasty dressing. You’re almost there!
5. Serve:
You can garnish with extra chopped peanuts for a little crunch. Serve immediately or pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Either way, it will be delicious!
6. Enjoy!
This Easy Thai Chicken Salad makes a fantastic meal on its own, or you can serve it over a bed of greens or rice noodles for something a bit heartier. Dive in and enjoy that fresh crunch and creamy goodness!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, whether from a roast or meal prep, works perfectly. Just shred it and toss it into the salad for a quick and easy meal!
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can make the salad ingredients and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may soften the ingredients a bit, so it’s best to serve it fresh when possible!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter. They’ll still give you that creamy texture and flavor you’re after!
