This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is fresh and flavorful, combining juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties it all together. It’s like a party in a bowl!
I can’t get enough of this salad! It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy days or when you want something tasty and good for you. Who knew healthy could be so delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is the star here. Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or any leftover roasted chicken. If you’re vegetarian, swap it for tofu or chickpeas for protein!
Coleslaw Mix: This mix includes green and purple cabbage along with carrots. You can make your own with fresh cabbage and carrots. Any leafy greens, like spinach or kale, work too.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives that delicious, smooth texture. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or tahini can be great substitutes!
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds a fresh zing, but if you’re not a fan, try swap with fresh mint or parsley instead!
How Do You Make the Creamy Peanut Dressing Just Right?
Perfecting the creamy peanut dressing may seem tricky, but it’s really about balance. Start with the peanut butter, then add in the soy sauce, vinegar, and honey for a sweet-savory mix. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the dry ingredients first: peanut butter, garlic, and ginger.
- Whisk in the wet ingredients gradually, especially the soy sauce and vinegar.
- If the dressing is too thick, slowly add warm water one tablespoon at a time. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and pourable.
- To add spice, mix in sriracha or chili garlic sauce but adjust to your heat preference!
Remember, taste as you go! Adjust flavors to suit your liking. Enjoy creating this delicious salad!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2-4 tbsp warm water (to thin as needed)
- Optional: 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare. If you let it chill for about 30 minutes, the flavors will blend even more beautifully. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the shredded cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped roasted peanuts. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything evenly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha if you want some heat. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
3. Adjust the Dressing Consistency:
Now, slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, to the peanut dressing. Keep whisking until the dressing reaches a creamy, pourable consistency that looks just right for drizzling!
4. Combine the Dressing with the Salad:
Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are nicely coated in the dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad! Feel free to add freshly ground black pepper or a little more soy sauce or honey to adjust the flavor to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts on top for garnish. You can enjoy this salad immediately, or cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It’s perfect served chilled or at room temperature!
This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is not just healthy, but also packed with flavor thanks to the creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light and satisfying dinner!
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Pre-cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it up and toss it into your salad for a quick and easy meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ingredients may soften a bit, but it will still be delicious. Give it a good toss before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Ensure your peanut dressing ingredients are vegetarian-friendly as well!
What If I Don’t Have Peanut Butter?
No worries! You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be tasty!
