This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is fresh and full of flavor! Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing come together for a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast is great for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or even leftover grilled chicken. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or chickpeas make for a tasty substitute!
Coleslaw Mix: This mix gives a crunchy texture. You can use fresh cabbage and carrot instead, or add other veggies like sliced bell peppers and cucumbers for variation.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds sweetness and color. If you don’t have any, use orange or yellow bell peppers for a similar taste. You can even use shredded carrots in a pinch!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth dressing. If you prefer a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter or tahini instead!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Peanut Dressing?
Making the dressing is crucial for bringing all the salad ingredients together. The key is to blend the savory and sweet flavors. Start with peanut butter, soy sauce, and a bit of honey for sweetness. The rice vinegar and sesame oil add depth of flavor.
- Mix all ingredients except water in a bowl.
- Gradually add warm water, whisking until you reach a pourable consistency.
- Taste and adjust—add more vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness!
This dressing keeps in the fridge for about a week, so feel free to make extra for drizzling on other salads or even as a dip! Enjoy your salad!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2-4 tbsp warm water (to thin as needed)
- Juice of 1 lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and cilantro (if you’re using it). Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
2. Prepare the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and lime juice. This will create a rich, flavorful dressing.
3. Adjust the Dressing Consistency:
To make the dressing easier to pour, gradually add warm water a tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach a creamy but pourable consistency. You want it to be thick but not too thick!
4. Combine Dressing and Salad:
Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together well, ensuring every piece is coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Add Peanuts for Crunch:
Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top of the salad and gently mix them in. This will add a lovely crunch to your salad!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together even more. Whether you enjoy it cold or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred it and mix it in with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or tahini are great alternatives for the creamy peanut dressing. They’ll still give your dressing a rich flavor without the peanuts!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious the next day!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute with other veggies such as cucumbers, shredded carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to keep the overall volume similar for the best texture and flavor!
