Zesty Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors when you whip up this tantalizing Thai chicken salad with peanut dressing.

Fresh, crunchy vegetables dance alongside tender chicken in a harmonious blend of textures.

The zesty peanut dressing brings a creamy richness that makes every bite a delightful experience.

Crisp cabbage, bright herbs, and juicy chicken create a perfect balance of nutrition and taste.

Each forkful promises a burst of Southeast Asian-inspired goodness that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

This recipe offers a light yet satisfying meal that comes together in just minutes.

Let’s find out this refreshing salad and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Coleslaw Mix: Crisp, shredded cabbage blend that adds crunch and nutrition, perfect for creating a light and refreshing salad base.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Protein-packed protein that makes the salad filling and satisfying, choose tender, well-seasoned chicken for maximum flavor.

• Red Bell Pepper, Scallions, Cilantro, Basil: Vibrant mix of vegetables and herbs that bring color, freshness, and layers of bright, zesty flavors to the salad, select crisp and aromatic herbs for the best taste experience.

• Chopped Peanuts: Provides delightful texture and nutty richness, toast lightly for intensified flavor and extra crispness.

• Peanut Butter, Water, Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, Honey, Sesame Oil, Ginger, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Creamy, tangy, and balanced dressing ingredients that create a classic Thai-inspired flavor profile, use fresh ginger and high-quality peanut butter for the most authentic taste.

Tools to Make Thai Chicken Salad at Home

• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly and creating a uniform mixture.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing peanut butter dressing and combining ingredients evenly.
• Large bowl: Ideal for tossing salad components and ensuring thorough mixing.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing red bell peppers and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure liquid and dry ingredients for consistent flavor.

Thai Chicken Salad Assembly Instructions

• Zesty Dressing Creation

Blend creamy peanut butter with tangy lime, sweet honey, and aromatic sesame oil. Whisk ingredients until silky smooth, letting flavors dance together. Adjust taste by adding extra splash of citrus or sweetness for perfect balance.

• Colorful Ingredient Symphony

Toss crisp coleslaw with tender shredded chicken. Add vibrant red bell pepper slices, crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and fragrant basil leaves. Mix ingredients to create a beautiful medley of textures and colors that will make your taste buds sing.

• Final Flavor Magic

Generously drizzle prepared dressing over salad mixture. Gently toss to ensure every bite is coated with delicious Thai-inspired flavors. Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile.

• Serving Suggestion

Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness and crunch. For deeper flavor development, let salad rest briefly in refrigerator before serving. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals that transport you to tropical culinary adventures.

Tips for Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Add extra heat with sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or sliced steak to create exciting protein variations that keep the meal interesting.
• Experiment with different nuts like cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a unique textural experience and subtle flavor twist.
• Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables separately up to 24 hours in advance, keeping ingredients refrigerated to save time during meal preparation.

Ways to Serve Thai Chicken Salad Creatively

• Refreshing Lunch Companion: Pair this vibrant Thai chicken salad with chilled jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal that balances protein and crisp vegetables.
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients, allowing the bright red peppers and green herbs to create an appetizing visual presentation that tempts everyone at the table.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with additional grilled shrimp or sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, transforming this dish into a more substantial and nutritionally balanced option for active individuals or fitness enthusiasts.
• Flavor Boost Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro just before serving to add a delightful crunch and burst of herbal freshness that elevates the overall taste experience.

Thai Chicken Salad Storage and Prep Suggestions

• Flavor Fusion Timing: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to meld with vegetables and chicken, creating a more intense taste experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making quick weekday lunches a breeze.
• Freshness Maximizer: Store the salad without dressing to maintain crisp textures. Mix dressing just before eating to prevent soggy vegetables and keep ingredients vibrant and crunchy.
• Smart Portion Strategy: Pack individual servings in mason jars with dressing at the bottom, then layer ingredients from heaviest to lightest. When ready to eat, simply shake the jar to distribute dressing evenly for a perfect, portable meal.

Zesty Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crisp lettuce and succulent grilled Thai chicken salad with peanut dressing create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Cool ingredients mingle with spicy notes, delivering a refreshing meal you’ll savor down to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) shredded cooked chicken
• 1 pound (454 g) coleslaw mix
• ½ cup (75 g) chopped peanuts
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 5 tbsps creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) chopped scallions
• 3 tbsps water, or more as needed
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ½ tsp pure sesame oil
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
• Small handful fresh basil, sliced thin or torn (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk peanut butter with warm water, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder until achieving a silky, well-blended consistency with a pourable texture.
2. Flavor Calibration: Fine-tune the dressing by incrementally adding lime juice for brightness or honey for subtle sweetness, ensuring a balanced and harmonious profile.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine coleslaw mix, chopped chicken breast, scallions, red bell pepper, roasted peanuts, cilantro, and basil leaves in a spacious mixing bowl, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Dressing Integration: Drizzle prepared peanut dressing over the salad, carefully coating each component while preserving the delicate structure and vibrant textures.
5. Final Seasoning: Sprinkle kosher salt and cracked black pepper to elevate the overall flavor, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Serving Recommendation: Plate immediately for peak freshness, or refrigerate briefly for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify before presenting a delectable Thai-inspired culinary creation.

Notes

• Dressing Consistency Check: Whisk thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that clings perfectly to salad ingredients.
• Flavor Balancing Trick: Taste and adjust dressing by adding small amounts of lime juice, honey, or soy sauce to create a harmonious sweet-tangy-savory profile.
• Protein Preparation Tip: Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredding it while still warm for maximum moisture and flavor absorption.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain crisp vegetables and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg