Zesty Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe: A Flavor Explosion!

Tender chicken dances with crisp vegetables in this mouthwatering Thai-inspired chicken salad that brings explosive flavor to your plate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of zesty and fresh ingredients.

Bright herbs and a tangy dressing create a symphony of tastes that will awaken your senses.

The light yet satisfying recipe comes together quickly with simple, wholesome components.

Crunchy vegetables complement the succulent chicken, making every forkful a delightful experience.

Packed with protein and bursting with authentic Thai-style seasonings, this salad transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

You’ll find yourself craving these bold, refreshing flavors again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

The Goods That Go into This Thai Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein centerpiece that adds substantial texture and muscle-nourishing goodness, best when freshly cooked and cooled.

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Vibrant, crunchy cruciferous vegetables offering robust texture and nutritional punch.
• Bell Pepper: Provides sweet crispness and bright color, selecting ripe, firm peppers ensures maximum flavor.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and gorgeous orange hue, choosing fresh, firm carrots guarantees perfect crunch.

• Cilantro: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that elevate the entire salad's flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Delivers mild, sharp flavor with delicate green freshness.
• Peanuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertone, selecting unsalted roasted varieties works best.

• Peanut Butter: Creates rich, creamy base with deep nutty essence.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes savory umami depth and balanced saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces subtle tangy brightness to balance rich ingredients.
• Honey: Adds gentle sweetness and helps smooth dressing consistency.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses distinctively toasty, aromatic undertone.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy kick with subtle zesty complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent, robust flavor foundation.
• Warm Water: Helps adjust dressing's silky consistency as needed.

What to Grab Before You Start Chopping

• Whisk: Essential for combining dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing dressing ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining salad components and tossing.
• Cutting board: Required for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and chicken chopping.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate dressing ingredient measurements.

Building This Bowl, One Crunch at a Time

• Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

Grab a small bowl and mix together the tangy dressing ingredients. Stir with a whisk until everything blends into a smooth, creamy mixture. Add a splash of warm water if you want it more drizzle-friendly.

• Chop and Toss the Vibrant Ingredients

Slice up your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the crisp cabbage, colorful bell peppers, crunchy carrots, fragrant cilantro, and fresh green onions. Toss them all together in a big mixing bowl.

• Drench with Flavor

Pour the peanutty sauce over your chopped ingredients. Give everything a good mix so each piece gets coated with the delicious dressing.

• Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle some roughly chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few extra herb leaves. Serve right away or let it chill for a few minutes to let the flavors dance together.

Flavor Spins to Make It Your Own

• Adjust the dressing's spiciness by adding more or less sriracha sauce to match your heat tolerance.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or tempeh for vegetarian and seafood-friendly alternatives that maintain the salad's vibrant Thai-inspired flavors.
• Prepare the salad components separately and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy texture.
• Toast peanuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispness to the salad's topping.
• Replace cabbage with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the salad's refreshing profile.

Plating Tips to Make It Pop

• Fresh Flavor Boost: Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts and extra cilantro on top for a crunchy texture and vibrant herbal kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled shrimp or tofu alongside the chicken for extra protein and a delightful seafood or vegetarian twist that keeps the meal exciting.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack salad components separately to maintain crispness, combining dressing and ingredients just before eating for a perfect lunch option that stays fresh and delicious throughout the day.
• Temperature Twist: Serve chilled for a refreshing summer meal or slightly warm for a comforting winter lunch, making this versatile salad adaptable to any season and mood.

How to Store Leftovers or Pack for Lunch

• Store this vibrant salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing separate to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance, storing components separately. This meal-prep approach saves time and lets you assemble the salad quickly during busy weekdays.
• Add crunchy toppings like chopped peanuts just before serving to prevent them from becoming soft and losing their delightful crunch. This ensures maximum texture and enjoyment.
• Best enjoyed chilled, this salad tastes fantastic when served straight from the refrigerator. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before eating to enhance flavor depth and ingredient integration.

Vibrant Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy and refreshing, this chopped Thai-inspired chicken salad delivers a perfect balance of zesty flavors and crisp textures. Packed with aromatic herbs and a tangy dressing, it invites you to savor a delightful culinary journey through Thailand’s vibrant street food scene.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• ½ cup (118 ml) peanuts, chopped (for topping)
• ½ cup (118 ml) green onions, chopped
• ½ cup (118 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups (473 ml) green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup (237 ml) red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup (237 ml) carrots, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (59 ml) peanut butter, creamy
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1–2 tbsps (15–30 ml) warm water (to thin as needed)
• ½–1 tsp (2.5–5 ml) sriracha or chili paste, optional (for heat)

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Instructions

1. Craft Dressing: Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl until silky smooth, gradually incorporating warm water to achieve perfect drizzling consistency.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate shredded chicken, crisp cabbage medley, vibrant bell peppers, julienned carrots, fragrant cilantro, and sliced green onions into a harmonious blend.
3. Dress and Integrate: Cascade peanut dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure each morsel is lavishly coated with the zesty Thai-inspired flavor profile.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle roasted peanuts and optional fresh herb garnishes atop the salad. Serve chilled or at room temperature, allowing the intricate flavors to intermingle and intensify.

Notes

• Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to penetrate the vegetables and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or grilled tempeh for vegetarian or alternative protein variations that maintain the dish’s Thai-inspired essence.
• Gradually add warm water to the peanut dressing to achieve your preferred texture, ensuring it coats ingredients without becoming too runny.
• Chop and store vegetables separately before assembling to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad, ideal for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg