Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star here, adding protein. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or even leftovers from other meals. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu instead.

Cabbage Mix: A mix of green and purple cabbage gives crunch and color. If you can’t find a pre-shredded mix, just slice your own. You can also swap in kale or lettuce for a different texture.

Peanuts: They add crunch and a nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. You could also skip nuts entirely for a different texture.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is essential for the dressing. If you want a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or tahini which gives a similar creaminess.

How Do You Make a Smooth Peanut Dressing?

The dressing is where the magic happens and can make or break your salad. To create a smooth peanut dressing, follow these tips:

• Start with creamy peanut butter, as it blends easily. You can use a whisk or a blender for best results.
• Gradually add warm water to thin the dressing. This helps it mix better and creates the right pourable consistency.
• Balance the flavors by tasting as you add lime juice or spice from red pepper flakes. Adjust to your liking for a perfect finish!

By following these steps, you’ll have a deliciously creamy dressing that coats every bite of your salad! Enjoy the mix of fresh veggies and tasty flavors. 🥗

Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped peanuts, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)

For the 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 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
• Juice of 1 lime (optional for extra tang)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional for heat)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Thai chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you let it chill for about 15-30 minutes, the flavors will blend beautifully, making it an even tastier dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cabbage mix, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. This colorful combo is packed with flavor and crunch!

2. Make the Peanut Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grate ginger, and minced garlic until it’s smooth and well combined. Then, gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is the perfect pourable consistency.

3. Adjust the Dressing:

If you want to add a bit more zing, throw in the lime juice and red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like some heat. Taste the dressing and adjust as needed to suit your preference!

4. Toss It All Together:

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with that creamy goodness!

5. Add the Final Touches:

Stir in the chopped peanuts for that nice crunch and sprinkle in some fresh cilantro if you want an extra pop of flavor.

6. Serve or Chill:

Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving bowl and garnish with extra chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of black pepper. You can serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

7. Enjoy:

This salad is refreshing and packed with flavor! Enjoy it as a light meal, side dish, or for lunch on the go!

FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Can I Use Different Proteins in This Salad?

Absolutely! While cooked shredded chicken is fantastic, you can also use shredded turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just ensure the protein is cooked and seasoned well!

What Vegetables Can I Substitute?

If you don’t have cabbage or prefer something different, try using mixed greens, kale, or even spinach. Other veggies like shredded beetroot or cucumber add great crunch and flavor too!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad’s crunchiness may diminish over time, but the flavors will still be delicious! If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep all the salad ingredients and make the dressing in advance. Just combine them shortly before serving to maintain the freshest taste. It’s a great option for meal prep!