This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is a fresh delight packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and the star of the show—creamy peanut dressing! It’s a burst of flavors with each bite.
I love how this salad is so quick to whip up and perfect for lunch. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good excuse to eat peanut butter? It makes everything better! 🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is the base of this salad. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great! Or, for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu.
Coleslaw Mix: The mix gives a crunchy texture. You can use just green cabbage or add other veggies like shredded carrots or bok choy for variety.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color. If you can’t find bell peppers, try using shredded carrots or any other crunchy veggie like cucumber.
Cilantro: This is optional but brings freshness! If you’re not a fan, substitute it with fresh mint or parsley for different notes.
Creamy Peanut Butter: For a nut-free dressing, sunbutter or tahini are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that these will change the flavor profile a bit.
How Do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
The dressing is really where the magic happens in this salad! Here’s how to make it perfectly creamy and packed with flavor:
- Start by whisking the peanut butter and soy sauce together; this creates a strong base.
- Add rice vinegar and honey (or maple syrup) for a balance of tang and sweetness.
- Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger for freshness. Fresh ginger makes such a difference!
- Thin out the dressing with warm water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency—remember, it should coat the salad nicely.
- Finish with lime juice for acidity and salt/pepper to taste. If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha!
By following these steps, your dressing will be creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you let it sit in the fridge for 10–20 minutes, it helps the flavors meld beautifully. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this tasty salad in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Be sure to taste and adjust the flavors, adding more sweetness, acidity, or spice as needed.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to ensure all the veggies and chicken are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Add Peanuts and Garnish:
Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top for that extra crunch. You can toss them in gently or leave them on top. If you’d like, garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
5. Serve:
Enjoy your salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture! If you’d prefer, refrigerate for 10-20 minutes before serving to let the delicious flavors mingle. This salad is perfect as a light meal on its own or as a delightful side dish.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it before adding it to the salad for an easy and convenient option.
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter?
If you need a nut-free option, try using sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or tahini. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing might cause the salad to soften a bit, so consider storing the dressing separately if you plan to have leftovers.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and the dressing separately ahead of time. Just assemble them together right before serving for the best texture. If you want to make it the night before, keep the dressing in a separate container to maintain freshness and crunch.
