There’s something truly exhilarating about a salad that marries bright, crunchy vegetables with tender, juicy chicken and a lusciously creamy peanut dressing that ties every element together. This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is exactly that kind of dish—fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor, a vibrant meal you’ll crave again and again! It’s the type of recipe you can whip up in just 15 minutes of prep time, with zero cooking time and a brief 10-minute rest to let all those flavors meld into perfection. Even if you’re a kitchen novice, this beginner-friendly salad feels like a gourmet treat, and at around 450 calories per generous serving, it’s a satisfying lunch or dinner choice that keeps things light and healthy without skimping on taste.
What really makes this recipe shine is how it balances textures and tastes. You get the soft pull-apart shredded chicken nestled among crisp mixed salad greens, sweet ribbons of julienned carrots, crunchy slivers of red bell pepper, and the satisfying chew of purple cabbage. Fresh cilantro and green onions add bright herbal notes, while chopped roasted peanuts on top deliver that irresistible nutty crunch. And then there’s the star of the show: a silky-smooth peanut dressing with just the right tang of lime, a whisper of fish sauce, and a kiss of honey. It’s the kind of salad that looks as good as it tastes, and it’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick family dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sharing it with everyone you know!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN THAI CHICKEN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore the stars of this dish. Each ingredient plays a special role, contributing not just flavor but also texture, color, and that unmistakable Thai-inspired vibrancy. Whether you’re stocking your pantry for the first time or shopping for a weekly meal plan, here’s what you need to make this salad sing.
- Cooked Chicken
Tender, shredded chicken forms the hearty protein base of this salad. It absorbs the creamy dressing beautifully and adds substance, making the dish feel like a complete meal rather than just a side.
- Mixed Salad Greens
A vibrant blend of crisp lettuces provides the fresh, leafy foundation. The variety of textures—from tender butter lettuce to crunchy romaine—keeps every bite interesting.
- Julienned Carrots
Sweet and colorful, these thin, matchstick-cut carrots give a cheerful pop of orange and a satisfying snap. They also bring natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Thinly Sliced Red Bell Pepper
These bright strips add juicy crunch and a hint of sweetness. Their bold color makes the salad visually stunning and invites your taste buds to dive in.
- Shredded Purple Cabbage
With its firm texture and vibrant hue, purple cabbage provides a hearty chew and a touch of earthiness. It also helps the salad hold up well if you’re prepping in advance.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro
Fragrant and zesty, cilantro leaves infuse every forkful with bright, citrusy herbal notes. It’s a classic Thai herb that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Thinly Sliced Green Onions
Also known as scallions, these bring a mild onion flavor without overpowering, plus a perfect crunch and a fresh green color accent.
- Chopped Roasted Peanuts
These crunchy bits on top add a toasty, nutty finish and a delightful textural contrast. They also reinforce the peanut flavor in the dressing.
- Creamy Peanut Butter
The heart of the dressing, peanut butter brings richness, creaminess, and a deep nutty taste that makes every mouthful indulgent yet balanced.
- Soy Sauce
A dash of umami-rich soy sauce adds savory depth and saltiness, harmonizing the sweet, tangy, and nutty components of the dressing.
- Rice Vinegar
This gentle acid brightens the peanut dressing without overwhelming it. It cuts through the richness and keeps the flavor lively.
- Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice provides a zesty citrus punch, adding brightness and a clean finish to the dressing.
- Honey
A touch of honey brings natural sweetness, rounding out the tang and salt for a well-balanced dressing.
- Sesame Oil
Just a little sesame oil introduces a subtle toasty aroma and a hint of exotic complexity.
- Fish Sauce
This authentic Thai ingredient contributes an unmistakable depth of flavor and umami that you won’t get from salt alone.
- Minced Garlic
Pungent and aromatic, garlic adds a bold, savory note that wakes up the dressing.
- Grated Ginger
Fresh ginger imparts a warm, spicy kick and a gentle zing, perfect for cutting through the richness of the peanut butter.
- Water
Used to thin the dressing to your ideal consistency, making it easy to drizzle or toss.
HOW TO MAKE THAI CHICKEN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING
Let’s bring these vibrant ingredients together! This section walks you through the simple but crucial steps, from prepping your veggies and chicken to whisking up that dreamy peanut dressing. Soon you’ll have a colorful, flavor-packed salad ready for the table.
1. Prepare all the vegetables: Lay out your carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, cilantro, and green onions on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to julienne the carrots into thin matchsticks, thinly slice the red bell pepper into slender strips, shred the purple cabbage into fine ribbons, chop the cilantro leaves (discarding thick stems), and slice the green onions on a diagonal for the prettiest presentation. These precise cuts ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
2. In a large salad bowl, gently combine the mixed salad greens, shredded chicken, julienned carrots, red bell pepper, shredded purple cabbage, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Use clean hands or salad tongs to toss everything so the ingredients distribute evenly without bruising the delicate leaves.
3. To make the peanut dressing, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, fish sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. If the dressing feels too thick, add water gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a silky, pourable consistency.
4. Pour the peanut dressing over the assembled salad. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything well, ensuring each leaf and shred of chicken is luxuriously coated in that creamy, tangy goodness.
5. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top to introduce an extra layer of crunch and a burst of nutty flavor with every forkful.
6. Serve immediately, while the veggies are crisp and the dressing is vibrant. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR THAI CHICKEN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING
When it comes to presenting this Thai Chicken Salad, you have loads of fun options to elevate the meal and delight your guests. From colorful bowls to clever pairings, these ideas will help your creation shine on any lunch or dinner table.
- Serve in individual bowls: Divide the salad into personal serving bowls for a stylish, restaurant-worthy presentation. Layer the greens first, then top with chicken and vegetables before drizzling the peanut dressing right at the table so each guest can see that gorgeous, creamy swirl.
- Pair with crispy wonton strips: For an extra crunch factor, sprinkle homemade or store-bought crispy wonton strips over the top. The delicate, crunchy bits echo the peanut topping and add a playful textural contrast.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges: Amplify the zing by adding a handful of extra cilantro leaves and a few lime wedges on the side. Guests can squeeze additional lime juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Offer as a side to grilled skewers: Transform this salad into part of a larger feast by serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp skewers. The cool, creamy salad complements smoky, char-grilled proteins perfectly.
HOW TO STORE THAI CHICKEN SALAD WITH PEANUT DRESSING
Proper storage ensures your salad stays fresh, crunchy, and ready to enjoy later in the week. While this dish is best eaten fresh, you can plan ahead by storing components separately or following a few simple guidelines to preserve textures and flavors.
- Store the dressing separately: Transfer any leftover peanut dressing into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to a week. Shake or stir before using, adding a touch of water if needed to restore its pourable consistency.
- Keep the salad base chilled: Place the mixed greens, shredded chicken, and prepped vegetables in a sealed container or bowl wrapped with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This helps the leaves remain crisp. Consume within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.
- Hold the nuts and toppings apart: Store chopped roasted peanuts and any crunchy garnishes—like wonton strips or fried shallots—in a separate small container at room temperature. Add them just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Reassemble before serving: When you’re ready to eat, combine the chilled salad base with the dressing and toppings. Give everything a gentle toss to coat and enjoy the salad as if it were freshly made.
CONCLUSION
This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and simple preparation that fits perfectly into a busy schedule. From the tender shredded chicken and crisp mixed greens to the kaleidoscope of veggies and that ultra-creamy, tangy peanut dressing, every component has been chosen to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or bringing a dish to your next potluck, this recipe impresses without demanding hours at the stove. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly—no actual cooking is required, just some quick chopping, a few playful whisk strokes, and a little tossing. And once you master this version, feel free to customize with tofu, tempeh, sriracha for heat, or extra herbs to suit your taste.
You’re welcome to print this article and save it for future reference, or revisit it any time you’re craving a bright, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes (including the brief rest time). Be sure to scroll down for an FAQ section that covers common questions about ingredient swaps, storage tips, and troubleshooting your dressing consistency. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please share your comments, questions, or feedback below—whether you need help with substitutions, have a tip for adding extra crunch, or simply want to gush about how much your family enjoyed it. Happy cooking!
Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Description
Experience a delightful mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together in a refreshing, satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare all the vegetables: julienne the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, shred the purple cabbage, chop the cilantro, and slice the green onions.
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In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, shredded chicken, carrots, red bell pepper, purple cabbage, cilantro, and green onions.
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To make the peanut dressing, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, fish sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl until smooth. Add water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
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Pour the peanut dressing over the salad. Toss everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts on top for added crunch.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a bit to allow the flavors to meld.
Note
- This salad can be made vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- For a spicier dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of chili flakes.
- The peanut dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To add more texture, consider adding crispy wonton strips or fried shallots.
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.
