Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken adds protein and fills the salad. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience or grilled chicken if you prefer a smoky flavor.

Coleslaw Mix: This mix of green and purple cabbage with carrots gives a crunchy texture. If you can’t find it, shredded cabbage and grated carrots work well! You could also mix in other veggies like cucumbers or snap peas.

Cilantro or Basil: Fresh herbs elevate the salad’s flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil or mint can be a great substitute. You could even skip herbs if you prefer!

Peeled Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add crunch and flavor. If you have allergies, try sunflower seeds or chopped pumpkin seeds as a nut-free option.

How Do You Make A Creamy Dressing Without It Being Too Thick?

The peanut dressing is essential and should be creamy but not overly thick. Start by whisking your peanut butter with soy sauce, honey, and other ingredients. If it feels too thick, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until it’s your desired consistency.

• Use warm water as it mixes in better.
• If you want extra flavor, a dash of more soy sauce or lime juice can be a nice touch.
• Adjust the seasoning as you go, tasting for balance!

With these tips, you’ll have a flavorful salad in no time! Enjoy your cooking!

Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

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

For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 2-4 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can enjoy it immediately or let it chill for about 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors. It’s a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) until smooth and creamy. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired dressing consistency. Lastly, season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and the chopped fresh herbs, if you’re using them. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

3. Add Dressing and Toss:

Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the mixture gently but thoroughly to make sure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing.

4. Add Peanuts and Garnish:

Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top of the salad and give it a gentle toss to mix some in. You can also garnish with a few extra peanuts and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for decoration, if desired.

5. Serve:

Serve the salad immediately or let it sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy this fresh, crunchy, and vibrant Thai chicken salad either cold or at room temperature!

Enjoy your delicious Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing! It’s not just nutritious, but also bursting with flavor!

FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly in this salad. It saves time and adds great flavor!

Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can whisk the creamy peanut dressing together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir or a whisk before using, as it may thicken up in the fridge.

How Can I Store Leftover Salad?

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to store the dressing separately to maintain the crispness of the veggies. Combine them just before serving!

What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?

If you have nut allergies or prefer an alternative, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as a nut-free option. Just be aware that this will slightly change the flavor of the dressing!