This Thai Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will brighten up any meal. It’s not only simple to prepare but also perfect for various occasions, from casual dinners to potlucks. The crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy peanut dressing create a refreshing dish that stands out on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The homemade peanut dressing pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a vibrant side at your next gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles for an extra crunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this delicious Thai Chicken Salad, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and quicker.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or whisk
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or whisk: Essential for quickly blending the peanut dressing to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all the salad ingredients together without spills.
• Cutting board: Offers a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts, especially for shredding chicken and chopping veggies.

Ingredients

This Thai Chicken Salad is easy to make with homemade peanut dressing, crispy cabbage, shredded chicken, crunchy peanuts, and more! It’s a refreshing dinner idea that also makes a great side dish.

Dressing Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (can sub hot sauce)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (julienned)
• 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)
• ½ cup green onions
• ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds

Optional Toppings

• Chow Mein Noodles
• Crispy Wonton Strips
• Toasted Sesame Seeds

How to Make Thai Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a food processor or in a large bowl with a whisk until uniform in consistency.
2. Cover the dressing and chill until ready to serve.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Prepare all salad ingredients by shredding the chicken and chopping vegetables as needed.
2. Toss these ingredients together in a large bowl until well mixed.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. When ready to serve, add the chilled dressing in increments to the salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately!

Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Thai Chicken Salad, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Salad

This Thai Chicken Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light dinner or a side dish for gatherings, it pairs well with numerous accompaniments.

As a Main Dish

• Serve chilled on a hot day for a refreshing meal.
• Pair with grilled shrimp or chicken for added protein.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the salad.
• This makes for an interactive dining experience and adds crunch.

With Rice Noodles

• Serve over cooked rice noodles for a heartier meal.
• The noodles absorb the flavors of the salad and dressing beautifully.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Pack into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.

With Extra Toppings

• Add crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles on top for texture.
• Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for brightness.

Mixed Into Grain Bowls

• Incorporate into grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice.
• This adds nutrients while keeping the dish interesting.

this recipe

How to Perfect Thai Chicken Salad

To elevate your Thai Chicken Salad, consider these tips. Each suggestion will help enhance flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide vibrant flavors and textures.
• Balance the Dressing: Adjust the sweetness and acidity in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill helps meld all the flavors together, enhancing taste.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try adding grilled tofu or shrimp for a different protein option that still fits within this recipe’s theme.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate more nuts or crunchy vegetables like bell peppers to create a delightful texture contrast.
• Presentation Matters: Layer ingredients in a clear bowl to showcase colors, making it visually appealing at your table.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Thai Chicken Salad can enhance your meal. Here are some wonderful options to consider:

1. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or veggies complement the salad’s flavors perfectly.
2. Thai Fried Rice: A flavorful side that balances out the freshness of the salad while adding substance.
3. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds refreshing acidity alongside your main dish.
4. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame offers a boost of protein and is easy to prepare as a snack or side.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and pairs nicely with cold salads.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the meal’s flavor profile while adding an element of fun during summer gatherings.
7. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit medley brings sweetness that complements the savory notes of the salad beautifully.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks offer a different texture while being simple to make or buy at any grocery store.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Thai Chicken Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your salad is a hit.

• Skipping the Dressing Prep: Not allowing the dressing to chill can result in a less flavorful salad. Make sure to prepare and refrigerate the dressing ahead of time.
• Overcooking Chicken: If you’re cooking your chicken, be careful not to overcook it. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and tenderness.
• Ignoring Texture: A good salad has a mix of textures. Ensure you include crunchy ingredients like peanuts and crispy veggies to enhance the eating experience.
• Not Measuring Ingredients: Eye-balling your ingredients might lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always measure for consistent results, especially with the dressing components.
• Forgetting Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor. Don’t skip the cilantro and green onions; they elevate the dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve for maximum crunch.

Freezing Thai Chicken Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of vegetables after thawing.
• If necessary, you can freeze shredded chicken separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating Thai Chicken Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thai Chicken Salad.

What is Thai Chicken Salad?

Thai Chicken Salad combines shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a homemade peanut dressing, creating a refreshing meal or side dish.

Can I make Thai Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving for best results.

Is Thai Chicken Salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from fresh vegetables, making it a balanced meal option.

What can I substitute in this Thai Chicken Salad?

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on preference. For example, use tofu instead of chicken or add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.

How long does Thai Chicken Salad last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It makes a refreshing main course or side dish that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist!

Print

Thai Chicken Salad

---

• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in the vibrant flavors of this Thai Chicken Salad, a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its crunchy textures and zesty taste, this salad is not only nutritious but also versatile enough to be served as a main dish or a flavorful side. Customize it with your favorite toppings for added flair, and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (can sub hot sauce)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
• 1 cup red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (julienned)
• 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges (drained and patted dry)
• ½ cup green onions
• ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
• ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by blending peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, lime juice, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, sesame oil, and ginger until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, green cabbage, red cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, cilantro, honey roasted peanuts, and slivered almonds.
3. Just before serving, drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For extra crunchiness, consider adding crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles on top. Feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience or add grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.