Zesty Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe to Energize

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance together in this mouthwatering thai chicken salad with peanut dressing that bursts with bold, zesty flavors.

Fresh herbs and crunchy textures create a delightful harmony on your plate.

Bright lime juice adds a tangy kick to every bite.

Roasted peanuts provide a rich, nutty undertone that complements the succulent chicken.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory and fresh elements.

The light yet satisfying dressing ties all the ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Prepare to be transported to the streets of Bangkok with this incredible culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Thai Chicken Salad With Crunch

• Green Cabbage: Adds crisp base and nutritional punch with its vibrant crunch.
• Red Cabbage: Provides beautiful color contrast and antioxidant-rich texture.
• Carrots: Brings sweet earthiness and beautiful orange color pop.
• Red Bell Pepper: Delivers sweet, crisp freshness with bright color boost.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein source that makes salad satisfying and filling.
• Edamame: Plant-based protein with buttery texture and nutritional density.

• Green Onions: Introduces mild, sharp onion flavor with delicate green highlights.
• Cilantro: Adds bright, zesty herb notes with distinctive fresh aroma.

• Peanut Butter: Creates creamy, rich base with nutty undertones.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth and salty complexity.
• Lime Juice: Provides tangy brightness and acidic balance.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and smooth binding texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces gentle, mild acidity.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty, toasted background flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent, aromatic kick.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy undertone with zingy freshness.

• Roasted Peanuts: Adds delightful crunch and intense nutty finish.

Tools to Toss a Thai Salad With Peanut Dressing

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all salad ingredients together.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking and combining peanut dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing components smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing cabbage, bell peppers, and green onions.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients like soy sauce and honey.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures precise liquid measurements for the dressing.
• Grater: Useful for grating fresh ginger and preparing ingredients.

How to Prepare Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad

• Chop Fresh Veggies

Grab your cutting board and slice green and red cabbage into thin strips. Dice crisp bell peppers and carrots into small, vibrant pieces. Roughly chop green onions and cilantro for bursts of flavor.

• Shred Chicken

Take cooked chicken and pull it apart into tender, bite-sized pieces that will blend perfectly with the crisp vegetables.

• Whip Up Magical Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend creamy peanut butter with tangy lime juice, sweet honey, rich soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Grate fresh ginger and mince garlic to add depth and warmth. Whisk until smooth and glossy. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of water to create the perfect drizzling consistency.

• Mix and Combine

Pour the silky peanut sauce over your veggie and chicken mixture. Toss everything together until each ingredient is beautifully coated. Sprinkle crunchy roasted peanuts on top for an extra layer of texture.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out your colorful salad immediately and savor the explosion of Thai-inspired flavors and satisfying crunch in every bite.

Extra Flavor Tips for Thai Chicken Lovers

• Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly to maintain consistent texture and ensure every bite has balanced flavors.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or tempeh for vegetarian and seafood alternatives that complement the vibrant Asian-inspired dressing.
• Prepare vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mix just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy salad.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising authentic flavor profile.
• Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili for extra heat, allowing each person to adjust according to their preferred spice tolerance.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Salad Like a Pro

• Thai Flavor Feast: A vibrant salad ready to rock your taste buds with exciting serving suggestions!
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Pack this salad in mason jars for a colorful, portable lunch that stays crisp and fresh during outdoor adventures.
• Asian-Inspired Bowl Experience: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to transform the salad into a hearty, filling meal with extra texture and protein.
• Appetizer Party Twist: Serve in small lettuce cups or endive leaves as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that lets guests enjoy bite-sized Thai-inspired flavors with minimal mess.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain maximum crunchiness, making this an excellent option for quick weekday lunches or pre-planned dinners.

Storing Thai Chicken Salad for Maximum Freshness

• Refrigerate the salad ingredients separately to maintain maximum crispness. Keep the chopped vegetables and shredded chicken in sealed containers, preventing moisture buildup.
• Store the peanut dressing in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use to re-blend separated ingredients.
• Prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately. Combine components just before serving to retain the salad's satisfying crunch and vibrant textures.
• Consume refrigerated salad within 2-3 days. For best quality, add nuts and dressing right before eating to prevent sogginess and maintain the delightful crisp texture.

Vibrant Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty “crunchy thai chicken salad with peanut dressing” brings explosive Asian flavors to your plate, dancing with crisp veggies and tender chicken. Refreshing herbs and creamy peanut sauce create a perfect balance that will have you craving another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup shelled edamame
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• Water, as needed to thin the dressing

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Instructions

1. Salad Assembly: Finely chop green and red cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper. Shred cooked chicken and mix with edamame, green onions, and cilantro in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant, textured base.
2. Dressing Creation: Craft a silky-smooth dressing by vigorously whisking peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust thickness by incorporating water incrementally until desired consistency is achieved.
3. Fusion and Garnish: Drizzle the aromatic peanut dressing over the salad, tossing with precision to ensure each ingredient is generously coated. Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the dish.
4. Serving Recommendation: Present the salad immediately to preserve its crisp texture and vibrant flavors, offering a refreshing Thai-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for dietary preferences or protein variety.
• Adjust peanut butter and liquid ratios to achieve perfect smooth or thicker dressing texture.
• Chop vegetables right before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent wilting.
• Toast peanuts briefly before chopping to intensify nutty undertones and add extra aromatic dimension.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg