This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing. It’s healthy, tasty, and comes together in no time!
I love how the crunch of the veggies and the rich dressing make each bite exciting. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner when you need something quick and delicious! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful. If you need a substitute, try shredded tofu for a vegetarian option or cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
Coleslaw Mix: This mix gives a great crunch. If you don’t have it, use shredded cabbage and grated carrots instead—it works just as well! You could also swap in some kale or spinach for a different texture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal, but you can use almond butter or sunbutter if there’s a nut allergy. Just be aware that it will change the flavor a bit but still taste great!
Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a tasty alternative. It adds a nice, slightly sweeter flavor as well.
How Do You Make the Dressing Smooth and Creamy?
The peanut dressing is key to this salad, and getting it creamy is simple! Start by whisking the peanut butter with the soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger. If your peanut butter is too thick, gradually add warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste it! If you want some heat, drizzle in sriracha.
- Make sure to whisk until it’s completely blended, so there are no lumps.
With this method, you’ll achieve a perfect dressing that coats your salad beautifully! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
- Optional: 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to toss together the ingredients and make the dressing, making it a great option for a speedy lunch or light dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Peanut Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If the dressing is too thick, gradually mix in warm water until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the flavor to your liking—add sriracha if you want a little kick!
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro if you’re using it. Toss everything together gently.
3. Combine Dressing and Salad:
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Make sure everything is nicely mixed and the dressing is spread throughout.
4. Add Peanuts:
Carefully stir in the chopped peanuts, leaving some aside for topping later. This adds an extra crunch to the salad!
5. Serve:
Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved peanuts on top for garnish. Enjoy this light and delicious Thai chicken salad right away, or chill it briefly before serving if you prefer it cold.
This vibrant salad is crunchy, creamy, and bursting with Thai flavors, making it perfect for a quick, light meal! Enjoy your delicious creation! 😊
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to your salad. Just shred it up and mix it in with the other ingredients!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may soften the veggies a bit, but it will still taste delicious. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can definitely prep the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
What if I Don’t Like Peanuts?
No problem! You can substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, or simply leave them out if preferred. The salad will still be delicious without them!
